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THE    FAMILY  OF   REV.   DR.   GEORGE   MOOAR 

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THE  CONQUEST  OF 


MEXICO  ►•°  PEEU 


PREFACED   BY 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC : 


g^tt  '^i^UxUixl  3)xxx9i,ixvt  f  0^m 


KINAHAN    CORNWALLIS, 

Author  of  "  The  Song  of  America  and  Columbus;  or,  the  Story  of 
rWw^p,"  &c. 


NEW  YORK: 

Published  at  the  Office  of  the  Daily  Investigator, 

52  Broadway. 

1893- 

Original  edition.    A II  rights  reser7>ed. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO  AND  PERU: 
{Prefaced  by  The  Discovery  of  the  Pacific.) 

AN    HISTORICAL    NARRATIVE    IN    VERSE. 


Book  the  First.— Prelude.  The  Discovery  of 
THE  Pacific  by  Vasco  Nunez 
de  Balboa,  and  the  Prog- 
ress OF  Discovery  in  the 
New  World,  from  the  First 
Voyage  of  Columbus  to  the 
Conquest  of  Mexico. 

Book  the  Second.— The  Conquest  of  Mexico  by 
Cortez. 

Book  the  Third.— The    Conquest    of   Peru    by 

PiZARRO. 

Finale. — The    Discovery    of     the    Mississippl 
—The  New  World  of  To-Day. 


PREFACE. 


While  each  of  the  following  stories  in  verse  of  the 
Discovery  of  the  Pacific  and  the  Conquest  of  Mexico 
and  Peru,  is  separate,  and  complete  in  itself  as  far  as 
it  goes,  it  is  really  a  continuation  of  the  history  of 
America  during  the  period  of  discovery  and  explora- 
tion, from  the  time  embraced  in  my  previous  poem, 
— "The  Song  of  America  and  Columbus,  or  the 
Story  of  the  New  World," — to  the  discovery  of  the 
Mississippi,  to  say  nothing  of  the  bird's-eye  view 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 

That  first  volume  of  the  history  of  America 
seemed  much  too  colossal  for  this  busy  age,  but 
the  present  one  is — like  Pelion  on  Ossa — more 
colossal  still,  inasmuch  as — to  come  down  from 
poetical  to  arithmetical  figures — it  contains  165 
pages  more  of  verse  and  about  5940  additional  lines. 
This,  if  not  staggering,  is  anything  but  a  recom- 
mendation to  a  man  in  a  hurry,  and  every  one  is 
more  or  less  in  a  hurry  nowadays.  Yet  "  what  is 
writ  is  writ,"  and — unlike  the  man  bent  on  talking 
us  to  death — it  is  always  easy  to  shut  up  a  book. 


|9,f^!r)9 


ii  PREFACE.  . 

I  have  nothing  to  recall,  and  I  can  conscien- 
tiously claim  for  the  volume  the  same  historical  accu- 
racy, in  every  respect,  that  marks  its  predecessor, 
and  while  the  strict  observance  of  this  sine  qua 
non  hampered  my  muse  in  the  composition  of  the 
work,  it  obviously  enhances  its  value  as  an  his- 
torical study.  Excepting  Irving  and  Prescott, 
probably  no  prose  historian  of  the  age  of  dis- 
covery and  exploration  in  the  New  World  ever 
studied  and  collated  more  authorities,  original  and 
modern,  on  the  subject,  or  tried  harder,  or  with  a 
more  unbiased  mind,  to  discover  and  tell  the  true 
story  of  the  career  and  voyages  of  Columbus  and 
his  followers,  as  well  as  that  of  the  discovery  of  the 
Pacific  and  the  conquest  of  Mexico  and  Peru,  than 
I  have  done.  For  these  extensive  and  laborious  re- 
searches I  have  little  to  show,  except  to  close 
students  of  the  period,  but  I  feel  amply  repaid  by 
the  consciousness  that  there  is  not  an  error  of  fact, 
in  verse  or  foot-note,  in  the  whole  of  the  two  vol- 
umes. This,  of  course,  is  a  poor  claim  for  a  writer  of 
verse  to  make,  for  historical  accuracy  is  entirely 
secondary  to  its  poetical  merit,  but  had  I  written 
in  prose  instead  of  verse,  it  would  doubtless  be 
appreciated  as  a  cardinal  virtue,  or,  at  least,  for  all  it 
is  worth. 

I  may  also  lay  the  flattering  unction  to  my  soul 
that  probably  no  other  man  has  worked  so  hard 
or  so  long  in  studying  historical  material  relating 
to  the  progress  of  discovery  and  colonization  in  the 


PREFACE.  iii 

New  World  without  hope  of  fee  or  reward,  as  I  have 
done  in  the  composition  of  this  history  in  verse  of 
the  European  conquests  in  America.  But  it  has  been 
a  source  of  intellectual  pleasure  to  me  from  first  to 
last,  and  I  do  not  regret  one  moment  of  the  time 
spent  in  the  task,  while  I  am  as  indifferent  and 
unexpectant  as  to  its  pecuniary  results  as  if  we  lived 
in  a  paradise  where  money  and  property  were  things 
unknown.  Epic  poems  are,  I  know,  very  unfashion- 
able. The  popular  taste  is  for  fragments  and  fric- 
assees^ but  the  mere  example  of  non-conformity  is 
often  salutary  in  its  effects.  At  any  rate,  I  have 
written  con  amore^  and  am  not  in  the  least  afraid  of 
being  out  of  the  fashion ;  while,  as  to  money,  I 
would  hardly  take  the  trouble  to  cross  the  street  to 
make  a  million  of  dollars  if  I  had  enough  without  it, 
for,  "  Enough  is  as  good  as  a  feast,"  and,  by  a  mer- 
ciful dispensation  of  Providence,  we  cannot  take 
our  ducats  away  with  us  to  that  bourne  whence  no 
traveller  returns. 

But  I  advocate  thrift  none  the  less,  for  no  man 
appreciates  the  importance  of  having  enough  more 
than  I  do,  and  literature — especially  verse  and  all 
that  is  embraced  in  the  higher  literature — is  still,  as 
it  was  in  Dr.  Johnson's  time,  a  very  poor  crutch, 
although  it  may  be  a  good  walking  cane.  Hence  I 
make  my  daily  bread  in  a  bakery  not  devoted  to 
poesy,  and  far  removed  from  Parnassus. 

Yet,  busy  as  I  have  been  in  Wall  Street  every 
day,  I  have  always  found  enjoyment  in  turning  my 


iv  PREFACE. 

thoughts  and  labor,  during  leisure  hours,  in  other 
directions,  and,  in  this  case,  I  have  been  impelled 
by  my  enthusiastic  devotion  to  the  study  of  the  early 
history  of  the  New  World.  For  only  one  thing 
have  I  to  ask  the  reader's  forgiveness,  and  that  is 
for  telling  so  long  a  story,  although  so  alluring  and 
picturesque  is  the  theme,  that,  for  my  own  part, 
I  should  never  tire  of  it  if  it  went  on  like  Tenny- 
son's brook — forever. 

As  it  is,  the  pictures,  or  panoramas,  I  have  here 
painted  in  words  of  the  Discovery  of  the  Pacific, 
the  Conquest  of  Mexico  and  the  Conquest  of  Peru, 
commemorate  the  grandest  events  in  the  history  of 
America  after  its  Discovery,  and  these  stand  out 
like  great  landmarks  in  the  history  of  the  World — ■ 
the  stepping-stones  to  an  expanding  civilization, 
while  the  Discovery  of  America  by  Columbus  was — 
in  the  light  of  its  mighty  train  of  splendid  conse- 
quences— the  greatest  and  the  most  momentous 
event  in  the  World's  history  since  the  birth  of  the 
Redeemer  of  mankind. 

KiNAHAN    CORNWALLIS. 


BOOK  THE  FIRST.— PRELUDE. 

The  Discovery  of  the  Pacific 

And  the  Progress  of  Discovery  in  the  New 

World 

After  the  First  Voyage  of  Columbus, 

Embracing  a  CoMPLE-ft  Chronicle  of  Voyages 

And  Events  Prior  to  the  Conquest 

of  Mexico. 


Part  I.    Columbus  and  his  Followers. 

Part  II.    The    Pacific    Ocean    Discovered    by 

Vasco  Nunez  de  Balboa. 
Part  III.    The  Fate  of  the  Discoverer. 
Part  IV.    The  Story  of  Valdivia. 
Part  V.    The  Adventures  of  Ponce  de  Leon. 
Part  VI.    The  Sea  the  Region  of  Romance. 


BOOK  THE  FIRST. 

THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE 
PACIFIC. 


PART  I. 

Columbus  and  his  Followers. 

When  first  Columbus  found  this  Western  World, 

And  at  San  Salvador  his  canvas  furled — 

While  gladly  bidding  that  fair  island  hail, — 

He  drew  aside,  magician-like,  the  veil 

That  erst  had  hid  the  Old  World  from  the  New, 

And  one  he  made  for  evermore  the  two. 

Four  hundred  years  since  then  have  passed  away, 

And  mark  the  splendid  New  World  of  to-day ! 

What  grander  prize  could  mortal  man  have  won  ? 

What  greater  deed  could  mortal  man  have  done  ? 

Columbia  in  her  grandeur  tells  the  tale, 

And  from  her  throne  now  bids  Columbus  hail — 

The  deathless  hero  of  the  hemisphere — 

The  Western  Sea's  immortal  pioneer. 

Queen  of  the  Western  World  he  lives  in  thee, 

Thou  Sovereign  of  a  nation  vast  and  free  ! 


4  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

Columbus  sailed  through  darkness  into  light, 
Yet  lived  and  died  in  nigh  Cimmerian  night, 
For  though  he  gave  the  New  World  to  the  Old, 
He  never  heard  its  wondrous  story  told. 
To  him  't  was  Asia — not  a  country  new — 
That  burst,  where'er  he  voyaged,  on  his  view. 
He  sought  a  western  passage  to  Cathay, 
But  found  a  prize  far  grander  on  his  way — 
The  richest  prize  that  e'er  the  sea  revealed. 
'T  was  strange  the  truth  to  eyes  like  his  was  sealed. 
But  none  the  less  the  boon  to  man  has  been — 
Save  the  doomed  Indian — and  the  world  has  seen 
No  grander    growth    than    this    our    New    World 

shows. 
How  great  the  debt  the  world  Columbus  owes  ! 
He  paved  the  way  to  empire  in  the  West, 
And  now  behold  him  by  the  world  caressed  ! 
America  illuminates  his  name. 
Columbia  consecrates  anew  his  fame. 
And  glorifies  the  hero  of  the  Sea, 
Who  sowed  the  seed  of  harvests  yet  to  be. 
Quadro-Centennial  songs  to  him  be  sung, 
And  joyous  peals  of  belfry  bells  be  rung, 
For  ne'er  again  will  deed  like  his  be  done — 
The  deed  by  which  immortal  fame  was  won  ; 
For  now  no  continent  remains  unknown 
To  add  fresh  wealth  and  glory  to  a  throne. 
What  inspiration  led  him  thus  to  steer 
And  open  to  the  world  a  hemisphere  ? 
What  happy  chance,  combined  with  skilled  design, 
As  if  the  guide  had  been  a  hand  divine  ? 

Columbus  greater,  grander,  nobler  seems 
As  Time  upon  his  mem'ry  brightly  beams. 
And  more  and  more,  colossal  and  unique, 
He  through  the  ages  seems  to  us  to  speak. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  5 

His  figure  through  the  deep  perspective  looms, 
And  Fame  his  name  with  glowing  light  illumes. 
Intrepid  searcher  of  the  Western  Sea 
He — in  his  glory — lives  eternally, 
And  all  the  nations  glorify  his  deed 
And  harvests  gather  where  he  planted  seed. 
Momentous  deed  !     The  birth  of  Christ  alone 
Surpasses  that  which  made  this  New  World  known. 


II,       > 

America  !  the  Western  World's  domain 


Which,  magnet-like,  allures  across  the  main, 

Give  fire,  and  inspiration,  to  my  strain. 

Let  me  recall  the  enterprise  of  yore, 

Which  led  exploring  vessels  to  thy  shore, 

Since  first  Columbus  found  San  Salvador, 

And  each  event,  in  order,  bring  to  view — 

The  Old  World's  ancient  commerce  with  the  New. 

The  annals  of  this  New  World  let  me  tell. 

And  on  the  deeds  of  brave  explorers  dwell. 

The  story  of  Columbus  1  have  told, 

But  mark  the  train  of  navigators  bold, 

Who  followed  in  the  great  explorer's  wake 

And  saw  the  dawn,  through  night,  barbaric,  break. 

First  came  the  dauntless  Cabots — sire,  and  son — 

Who  glory  as  the  fruit  of  daring  won. 

And  ere  Columbus — lo  ! — "  Eureka  !  " — cried, 

As  they  the  sleeping  Continent  espied — * 

*  Although  the  Western  Hemisphere  was  discovered  by 
Columbus  in  1492,  it  was  not  until  his  third  voyage — in 
August,  1498 — that  he  first  sighted  the  Continent  of  America, 
where  it  is  intersected  by  the  numerous  branches  of  the  Ori- 
noco, fourteen  months  previous  to  which,  namely  in  June,  1497, 
it  had  been  discovered — in  the  latitude,  it  is  supposed,  of  about 


6  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

The  rich  reward  of  noble  enterprise, 

Which  kindled  gladness  in  their  searching  eyes. 

From  Albion's  cliffs,  across  the  stormy  main, 

They  sailed,  intent  on  honor  more  than  gain. 

And  ran  along  the  bluff  New  England  shore. 

And  south  to  where  Floridian  breakers  roar. 

When  Famine  o'er  their  course  its  shadow  threw, 

And  mutineers  arose  among  the  crew. 

Then  homeward  bound,  they  left  the  coast  behind- 

The  Western  mainland  they  were  first  to  find. 

These — after  great  Columbus — foremost  stood 

In  bold  adventure  o'er  Atlantic's  flood, 

And  gave  the  British  banner  to  the  breeze 

Where  ne'er  before  't  was  seen  upon  the  seas, 

And  so,  by  brave  example,  led  the  way 

For  Britain's  commerce  at  a  later  day, 

And  those  intrepid  toilers  it  has  bred — 

A  race  of  sailors  to  the  waters  wed. 

Then,  German,  and  Italian,  ships  were  made 

The  vehicles  of  England's  scanty  trade, 

And  maritime  adventure  scarce  was  known 

Where  proud  Britannia  sat  her  island  throne. 

Thus  with  this  mighty  Continent  in  view, 

The  pilgrims  from  her  sea-beat  shores  were  few, 


fifty-six  degrees,  far  to  the  north  of  the  straits  of  Belle  Isle — 
by  John  Cabot  and  his  son  Sebastian,  who  had  sailed  with 
two  vessels  in  the  previous  month  from  Bristol,  England, 
under  the  auspices  of  Henry  VII.,  but  at  their  own  expense, 
on  a  voyage  of  exploration  ;  and  following  this  discovery  they 
coasted  the  mainland  as  far  as  the  southern  end  of  Florida, 
when  a  mutiny  breaking  out  among  the  crew  they  returned  to 
England.  John  Cabot  was  a  Venetian  merchant  who  had 
long  resided  in  Bristol,  and  Sebastian  was  born  there.  In  the 
following  year  Sebastian  Cabot  made  a  second  voyage  to  the 
American  Continent,  his  main  object,  as  in  the  previous  in- 
stance, being  the  discovery  of  a  northwest  passage  to  India. 


COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  POLL  0  WERS.  7 

And  eighty  years  or  more,  from  Cabot's  day 

Had  o'er  the  New  World  slowly  passed  away 

Ere  Britain's  flag  o'er  Britons  waved  on  high 

Beneath  the  dome  of  its  expansive  sky,* 

While  with  each  other,  other  nations  vied, 

The  spoils  of  savage  conquest  to  divide  : 

But  ah !  what  woes  they  carried  in  their  train — 

France,  Portugal,  and  sanguinary  Spain, 

Whose  paths  with  blood  where'er  they  went  were 

dyed. 
Oft  o'er  the  tragic  story  I  have  sighed. 
There,  erst,  the  Red  Man  lived  in  wild  delight, — 
His  Past,  and  Future,  like  his  Present,  bright, — 
Ne'er  dreaming  of  Invasion's  cruel  blight. 

Behold,  how  Cortez  ravaged  Mexico, 

And  laid  the  Empire,  and  its  ruler  low — 

Impelled  by  av'rice,  and  religious  zeal. 

And  fortified  with  armor's  glitt'ring  steel. 

See  how  Pizarro,  with  his  cruel  horde. 

Laid  waste  Peru,  and  put  it  to  the  sword, — 

Its  peaceful  people  slew  in  wanton  hate, — 

And  with  them  one  who'd  earned  a  better  fate — 

Atahualpa,  its  last  Inca,  proud, — 

Its  temples  ravaged,  and  an  awful  shroud 


*  England  put  forward  a  claim  to  vast  regions  of  North 
America  some  years  after  their  discovery  by  the  Cabots,  a 
portion  of  which  she  ultimately  colonized,  but  more  than 
eighty  years  elapsed  before  she  took  any  very  decided  step 
toward  the  permanent  occupation  of  any  part  of  America,  and 
meanwhile  the  coast  was  explored  by  other  nations.  To  the 
frugal  maxims  of  Henry  VI I.  and  unpropitious  events  of  the 
reign  of  Henry  VHI.,  Edward  VI.  and  the  bigoted  Mary,  this 
neglect  of  the  colonization  of  the  country  may  be  attributed. 
The  first  real  attempt  at  its  settlement  was  made  by  Queen 
Elizabeth  in  1576,  when  Frobisher's  expedition  sailed. 


8  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

Of  deep  despair,  threw  o'er  the  hapless  land, 
Accurst  by  that  marauding  Spanish  band. 
Alas !  for  them,  the  Children  of  the  Sun, 
Their  glory  o'er — their  race  forever  run. 

III. 

While  still  Columbus  sailed  the  Western  seas,     . 

And  envied  Man  his  indolence,  and  ease. 

Beneath  the  lustre  of  a  summer  sun — 

His  third  eventful  voyage  just  begun — 

Spain  made  the  New  World — saving  Hayti — free 

To  all  her  sons,  of  high  and  low  degree — 

A  royalty  exacting  on  their  gains, 

No  cost,  but  only  profit,  to  be  Spain's. 

'T  was  then  Alonzo  de  Ojeda  cried — 

"With  Christ,  and  the  Madonna,  for  my  guide, 

I'll  sail  again  the  New  World  waters,  wide. 

And  gather  in  abundance  golden  ore. 

And  spread  the  gospel  on  each  savage  shore ; — 

I,  who  with  great  Columbus  served  of  yore. 

But  mark  me,  mine  will  yet  eclipse  his  fame. 

For  I'm  resolved  to  win  a  grander  name  ! " 

Four  caravels  gave  Seville  to  her  son. 

Who  dreamed  of  triumphs  certain  to  be  won, 

And  with  Amerigo  Vespucci  sailed. 

His  mind  ambitious,  and  his  body  mailed.*" 

*  Ojeda,  who  had  sailed  with  Columbus  on  his  second  voyage, 
aided  by  Bishop  Fonseca,  at  the  head  of  the  Department  of 
the  Indies,  obtained  the  royal  license  for  the  expedition,  and 
also  the  charts,  and  journals  of  Columbus,  and  left  Spain  with 
four  ships  equipped  by  the  merchants  of  Seville,  on  the  20th 
of  May,  1499,  to  make  discoveries  in  the  New  World.  Ame- 
rigo Vespucci,  a  Florentine  gentleman,  accompanied  Ojeda, 
and  owing  to  the  chart  and  descriptions  of  the  New  World, 
that  he  published  on  his  return,  it  acquired  his  name,  and  by 
universal  consent  this  was  retained,  notwithstanding  its  ob- 
vious injustice  to  Columbus. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  9 

He  longed  to  spread  discov'ry  in  the  West, 

And  gather  laurels  on  the  ocean's  breast, 

And  find  a  realm  of  beauty  in  the  South. 

Ere  long  he  reached  the  Orinoco's  mouth, 

And  far  along  the  continent  explored, 

While  pearls,  and  gold,  he  added  to  his  hoard. 

Enchanting  prospects  met  his  wond'ring  eyes, 

Which  sparkled  oft  with  pleasure^  and  surprise, 

And  native  throngs  regaled  him  with  their  songs, 

Unconscious,  then,  of  their  impending  wrongs  : 

And  there  he  found  a  wand'ring  English  fleet. 

And  marvelled  much  the  rovers,  thus,  to  meet; 

But  England's  records  fail  to  tell  the  tale 

That  from  her  shores  such  e'er  were  known  to  sail. 

Anon  he  touched  at  Hayti's  island  shore, 

By  stealth  to  glean  where  he  had  gleaned  before  ; 

But  he  was  forced  by  Roldan  thence  to  flee. 

And — homeward  bound — again  he  sailed  the  sea, 

And  fanned  the  flame  of  enterprise  in  Spain, 

Though  scanty,  save  in  glory,  was  his  gain  : 

But  greater  glory,  far,  Vespucius  gained. 

Though  to  the  sea,  and  arms,  but  little  trained. 

Fame  at  a  bound  Americus  attained. 

He  told  the  New  World's  story  with  his  pen. 

And  brought  it  thus  within  the  common  ken. 

And  drew  a  chart  of  all  the  coasts  he'd  seen, 

And  all  of  those  where  Spaniards  e'er  had  been, 

A.nd  left  Columbus  coldly  in  the  shade, 

By  selfish  ends,  and  low  ambition  swayed. 

Spain  quickly  with  the  New  World  linked  his  name, 

And  all  the  world  has  since  prolonged  his  fame — 

The  fame  that  by  an  accident  was  won. 

And  everlasting  wrong  was  swiftly  done. 

By  this  caprice  Columbus  lost  his  due, 

The  Muse,  historic,  only,  holding  true. 

But  in  Columbia — mark  ! — he  lives,  anew. 


10  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

Alonzo  Nino,  to  adventure  prone, 

And  basking  in  the  favor  of  the  Throne, 

Was  next  to  leave  the  Spanish  shore  behind, 

Expecting  in  the  New  World  wealth  to  find, 

And  reap  a  splendid  harvest  of  renown. 

And  win  both  praise,  and  titles  from  the  Crown. 

His  comrade,  Guerra,  joined  him  in  the  deed, 

And  mingled  Christian  zeal  with  boundless  greed. 

Companions  of  Columbus  they  had  been. 

And  where  they'd  wandered  once  they  longed  to 

glean. 
They  chose  Ojeda's  course — the  beaten  track — 
And  bore,  in  rich  abundance,  treasure  back, 
But  to  the  store  of  knowledge  added  naught : 
Yet  with  incitement  their  return  was  fraught. 
For  all  who  saw  the  wealth  the  wand'rers  brought 
Were  eager  in  their  track,  themselves,  to  sail — 
In  calm  to  glide,  or  face  the  whistling  gale. 
Then  Pinzon  followed  with  his  caravels.* 
"  Farewell !  "  he  cried,  and  wept  the  Palos  belles. 
He  steered  his    squadron    south,  and   crossed   the 

line. 
And  felt  the  sun  with  tropic  fervor  shine, 
And  saw  it  set  with  grandeur  in  the  west. 
With  all  the  sky  in  gorgeous  colors  dressed. 
And  ocean  bathed  in  their  refulgent  glow. 
While  winds  to  his  amazement  ceased  to  blow. 
None  the  Equator  e'er  had  crossed  before. 
And  all  on  board  a  look  of  wonder  wore. 
He  landed  with  the  Amazon  in  view, 
And  saw  its  waters  join  the  ocean  blue. 


*  Vincent  Yanez  Pinzon  having  built  four  caravels,  sailed 
from  Palos,  in  Spain,  in  December,  1499,  and  after  touching 
at  the  Cape  de  Verde  Islands,  steered  boldly  south  and  was 
the  first  person  known  to  have  crossed  the  Equator. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS  ii 

He  raised  the  Cross,  and  solemnized  the  Mass, 
But  there  the  natives  he  enslaved,  alas ! 
He  lured  them,  by  a  stratagem,  from  shore, 
And  after  that,  it  met  their  gaze  no  more : 
But  Retribution  followed  at  his  heels, 
And  tempests  thundered  grandly  o'er  his  keels, 
While  ocean,  in  commotion,  wildly  tossed, 
And  of  the  four,  three  caravels  were  lost. 
He  well  deserved  his  loss,  the  wretch  so  base. 
Who  thus  could  traffic  in  the  human  race. 
From  Lisbon  sailed  ere  he  returned  to  Spain — 
To  add  renown  to  King  Emanuel's  reign — 
Don  Pedro  Cabral,  bound  for  Hindostan, 
And — later  on — the  realm  of  Kubla  Khan. 
With  thirteen  ships,  and  castled  caravels.* 
As  these — so  History  the  story  tells — 
To  shun  the  calms  along  the  Guinea  shore 
Due  westward — an  imposing  squadron — bore, 
Don  Pedro  sighted  unexpected  land — 
A  rugged  coast,  but  picturesque,  and  grand, 
Where  bloom,  and  verdure,  beautified  the  view, 
And  royal  palms,  like  sentient  beings,  grew, 
And  rainbow-tinted  birds  among  them  flew. 
While  monkeys  climbed  the  trees  to  see  the  fleet, 
And  parrots  gave  the  signal  to  retreat. 
Like  amethystine  drops,  and  ruby  showers. 
The  paroquets  emerged  from  leafy  bowers, 
And  flashed  in  constellations  through  the  air. 
Don  Pedro  cried — "  The  clime  is  wondrous  fair  !  " 
And,  landing,  claimed  it  for  the  Portuguese ; 
Then  bending  in  devotion,  on  his  knees. 
He  placed  a  cross  beneath  the  spreading  trees, 


*  The  caravels  had  "  castles,"  or  high  cabins,  built  at  the 
bow  and  stern . 


12  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

And  murmured — "  Country  of  the  Holy  Cross  ! 

The  Christian's  triumph  is  the  Heathen's  loss  ! " 

And  so  't  was  called  by  Cabral  and  the  Throne, 

Long  ere  its  modern  name — Brazil — was  known. 

Along  the  coast  the  vessels  held  their  way, 

And  reached,  at  length,  a  broad,  majestic  bay, 

Where  mighty  mountains  looked,  in  splendor,  down, 

And  on  the  shining  waters  seemed  to  frown, 

Their  rugged  sides,  colossal,  clear,  and  bold, 

Touched  by  the  ardent  sun  with  rays  of  gold, 

While  further  inland,  lofty  peaks  arose, 

Their  pointed  summits  lightly  capped  with  snows ; 

And  near  them,  yet  apart — alone,  and  grand — 

A  naked  rock  o'erlooked  the  smiling  land — 

A  massive  peak,  but  strangely  bleak,  and  bare — 

A  sentinel  forever  stationed  there — 

And  with  the  mountains  round  it  for  a  frame — 

"  The  Sugar  Loaf,"  its  celebrated  name. 

That  bay  was  Rio's,  then  unknown  to  fame. 

IV. 

Whoe'er  has  wandered  where,  now,  Rio  lies. 

Has  gazed  on  beauty  with  admiring  eyes, 

And  seen  the  voiceless  Organ  Mountains  rise. 

With  peaks  aspiring  to  the  flashing  skies, 

And  felt  the  charm  of  grandeur  o'er  him  steal. 

For  there  to  see  the  prospect,  is  to  feel. 

The  city's  broad,  white  wilderness  of  streets. 

The  roving  and  delighted  vision  meets. 

With  green  hill-sides,  and  gardens  full  of  bloom, 

All  redolent  of  exquisite  perfume, 

And  girdled  by  a  purple  mountain-ring, 

In  whose  deep  shadows  birds  of  beauty  sing. 

While  high  above,  Bonito's  peak  is  seen — 

A  lance-like  mountain,  with* a  point  as  keen — 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  13 

And  Corcovado's  stark,  and  mighty  ridge 
That  spans  the  sky  like  some  celestial  bridge. 
Far  to  the  right  and  left  the  bay  extends, 
And,  as  it  glitters,  picturesquely  bends. 
Along  its  shores  the  feath'ry  palms  appear. 
And  orange-groves  are  clustered  far  and  near, 
While  over  all  the  Sugar  Loaf  presides, 
And  to  the  sunlight  bares  its  sweeping  sides. 
Whoe'er  has  from  the  city  wandered  wide, 
And  to  the  mighty,  lonely  forest  hied. 
In  silent  awe  its  majesty  has  felt. 
And  on  the  scene  his  mind  has,  later,  dwelt ; 
For  Nature  there  is  lovely,  and  profound. 
And  man  seems  but  a  pigmy  on  the  ground 
By  those  colossal  trunks  that  soar  so  high 
They  seem  to  reach  the  over-hanging  sky : 
Yet  there  embraced  by  parasites  they  die. 
Black  tomb-like  gorges  open  to  his  view — 
With  mountain  torrents  leaping  wildly  through, 
And  roaring  as  they  rush  to  reach  the  sea. 
Impatient  as  a  captive  to  be  free — 
As  through  the  forest  he  his  way  pursues, 
'Mid  vegetation  rich  in  countless  hues. 
Vast  granite  boulders  tapestried  with  fern, 
He  through  the  tangled  mazes  can  discern, 
And  over-arching  leaves  of  mammoth  size, 
That  strike  each  fresh  beholder  with  surprise. 
The  dark  and  gloomy  green  of  orange-trees — ■ 
Which  murmur  softly  in  the  summer  breeze — 
Contrasts  with  the  poncetta's  crimson  flame. 
While  mutely  the  liana's  coils  proclaim 
The  fate  that  waits  on  all  they  gather  round- 
Each  tree  a  giant  in  their  meshes  bound. 
The  huge  and  spiky  cactus,  with  its  thorns, 
The  undergrowth,  at  intervals,  adorns. 
And  when  upon  the  scene  Night's  shadows  fall. 


14  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

The  jaguar  to  his  mate  is  heard  to  call, 
The  bat  whirrs  past  with  shrill  and  ghostly  cry, 
The  wide-winged  vulture  swoops  in  search  of  prey, 
And  fire-flies  dance,  like  spirits  blithe,  and  gay, 
Or  stars  descended  from  the  Milky  Way. 

V. 

His  eastern  course  Don  Pedro  still  pursued 

Across  the  ocean's  trackless  solitude. 

But  swiftly  to  the  King  the  tidings  sent 

That  he  had  found — perchance — a  continent. 

The  King  thereon  was  eager  to  explore. 

And  bade  Vespucci  sail,  and  seek  its  shore. 

Which  done,  he  found  the  land  was  known  before, 

By  Cabot,  and  Columbus,  brought  to  view. 

He  hesitated  what  't  was  best  to  do. 

The  Pope's  partition  this  decreed  to  Spain — 

The  hemisphere  dividing  'tween  the  twain — 

But  was  Don  Pedro's  deed  to  be  in  vain  ? 

No  !  not  while  he — Emanuel — lived  to  reign  ! 

The  rival  kings  contended  for  the  soil. 

Each  claiming  that  to  him  belonged  the  spoil ; 

But  Spain,  at  length,  relinquished  all  her  claim, 

And  so  't  was  left  to  swell  her  rival's  fame. 

VI. 

Still  great  in  prowess  were  the  Portuguese, 
Who  aimed  to  rule  the  empire  of  the  seas ; 
And  saw  with  hatred,  and  a  jealous  eye, 
Spain's  rival  flag  o'er  distant  regions  fly. 
And  longed  to  spread  discov'ry  o'er  the  main, 
And  dim  the  glory  of  that  rival's  reign. 
Cortereal  espoused  his  nation's  cause. 
And  coveted  his  countrymen's  applause. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  15 

And  from  his  purse  the  needed  means  supplied 

To  search  the  western  ocean,  far  and  wide, 

And,  through  it,  find  a  passage  to  tiie  East, 

Whose  pictured  riches  were  his  mental  feast : 

But  all  in  vain  he  sought  for  famed  Cathay, 

And,  disappointed,  northward  turned  away, 

To  sight,  at  length,  the  isle  of  Newfoundland, 

And  then — exploring — pass  from  strand  to  strand, 

And — later — through  the  broad  St.  Lawrence  glide. 

And  safe  in  Labrador  at  anchor  ride, 

And  trade  with  Esquimaux  along  the  shore. 

Where  none — save  Norsemen — e'er  had  been  before. 

There  icebergs  rose  like  islands  from  the  sea — 

A  scene  the  painter's  eye  delights  to  see — 

While  on  them  shone  the  sun's  refulgent  rays, 

And  made  their  sides  with  dazzling  colors  J3laze — 

Green,  purple,  yellow,  blue,  and  orange-red. 

Rich  lights,  and  shadows,  on  them  grandly  played, 

And  all  alike  in  splendid  hues  arrayed. 

While  Arctic  birds,  in  flights,  around  them  flew, 

And  lent  the  charm  of  motion  to  the  view. 

To  Labrador  he  quickly  bade  adieu. 

And  Lisbon  gave  the  wand'rer  welcome  home  ; 

But  he  was  prone,  where'er  he  could,  to  roam, 

And  sailed,  ere  long,  again,  for  Labrador, 

And,  after  that,  was  heard  of  nevermore. 

VIL 

Spain  toward  the  New  World  cast  an  eager  eye. 
And — "To  the  Indies!  "  was  the  nation's  cry. 
De  Lepe  from  Palos  westward  ploughed  the  main. 
Though  little  was  his  own,  or  country's  gain. 
By  St.  Augustine's  cape  't  was  his  to  sail, 
But  Time  has  o'er  his  record  thrown  a  veil. 
Bastides  shared  his  country's  deep  unrest. 


i6  COL UMB US  AND  HIS  POLL O  WERS. 

And  sailed  from  Cadiz  for  the  glowing  west, 

With  golden  visions,  born  of  boundless  hope, 

And  fancies  wild,  unbridled  in  their  scope. 

He  coasted  Terra  Firma's  wooded  shore — 

And  gathered,  here  and  there,  some  golden  ore — 

From  Cape  de  Vela  to  Darien's  bay, 

But  failed  to  find  the  riches  of  Cathay. 

Ojeda,  and  Vespucci,  sailed  anew 

To  swell  the  knowledge  of  these  regions  new. 

And  chose  a  course  they  deemed  unploughed  by  man, 

Which  might — who  knew  ? — lead  on  to  Hindostan, 

But    when     they    reached — disheartened — Hayti's 

shore, 
They  found  their  course  Bastides-ploughed  before ; 
And  little  wealth,  or  glory,  either  won 
By  aught  on  this  exploring  voyage  done : 
But  still  the  ardor  for  adventure  spread. 
And  all  believed  the  sea  to  riches  led. 
To  Newfoundland  a  fleet  of  fishers  sped, 
And  reaped  the  finny  harvest  of  the  deep, 
Which — off  the  Banks — is  rarely  prone  to  sleep. 
From  France,  and  Spain,  and  Portugal,  they  sailed 
To  work  a  mine  of  wealth  that  never  failed. 
There  Denys  mapped  the  sea,  and  shores  around, 
While  haply  the  St.  Lawrence,  Aubert  found, 
And  back  to  Gaul  conveyed  an  Indian  bride. 
Who'd  wandered  on  the  margin  of  its  tide. 

To  find  that  Western  passage  to  the  East — 

On  which  their  eyes  were  destined  ne'er  to  feast — 

From  Seville,  now,  with  Solis,  Pinzon  sped ; 

And  to  Brazilian  shores  their  voyage  led. 

Where  bright  La  Plata  on  their  vision  shone — 

A  stream,  ere  this,  the  white  man  ne'er  had  known. 

The  woods  primeval  there  adorned  the  view. 

Beside  the  feath'ry,  tall,  and  straight  bamboo, 


COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  POLL  0  WERS.  1 7 

Cecropias  in  beauty — slender — grew, 

And  to  the  breeze  their  lofty  branches  threw 

A  hundred  feet  above  the  weeds  below, 

While  humming-birds  were  wand'ring  to  and  fro, 

And  captive  led  the  wond'ring  gazers'  eyes, 

And  arborescent  ferns  of  mammoth  size 

With  spreading  fronds  looked  up  to  court  the  sky, 

While  mistletoes  their  tendrils  flung  on  high. 

Lobelias  with  spikes  of  azure  bloom 

Relieved  the  mighty  forest's  sylvan  gloom, 

And  capheas,  with  purple  blossoms  bright, 

Their  odor  shed,  and  charmed,  the  while,  the  sight. 

Acacias,  and  bromelias,  displayed 

Their  wealth  of  leaf  in  varied  tints  arrayed, 

While  mangroves,  and  bignonias,  were  seen 

Among  the  lowlands,  dense  and  grandly  green, 

With  golden  maize,  the  Red  Man's  native  fare, 

In  patches  o'er  the  landscape,  here  and  there. 

Ere  long  to  Yucatan  they  ploughed  their  way, 
And  gazed  on  spots  where  ruined  cities  lay. 
Whose  builders,  too,  had  like  them  passed  away. 
Nor  left  a  trace  on  Time's  eternal  tide. 
At  length,  beside  La  Plata,  Soils  died — 
For  he,  again,  from  Seville  sailed  away 
To  seek  that  mythic  channel  to  Cathay — 
And  on  that  second  voyage  he  was  slain 
Where  glides  the  river  to  embrace  the  main, 
While  comrades  round  him  shared  his  tragic  end 
And  vainly  strove  existence  to  defend ; 
For  savage  hosts  in  warlike  fury  rose. 
And  capped  the  climax  of  their  earthly  woes. 

VIII. 

Columbus  died,  but  Spanish  conquest  spread. 
And  more,  and  more,  the  Indians  filled  with  dread. 


l8  COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  POLL  0  WEKS. 

The  poor  untutored  natives  of  the  soil 
The  Christians  treated  as  their  lawful  spoil, 
And  made  them  serve  as  slaves  where  they  had  ruled 
Ere  by  their  cruel  tyrants  they  were  schooled. 
They  fell  like  wheat  before  the  reaper's  hands, 
Invasion's  blight  careering  o'er  their  lands. 
Exhaustion,  Famine,  Pestilence  and  Strife, 
Left  Death  triumphant  o'er  barbaric  life  : 
And  when  their  numbers  dwindled  to  a  few, 
Their  place  was  filled  with  slaves  of  ebon  hue, 
Who,  torn  away  from  Africa — their  own — 
In  bondage  ever  after  lived  to  groan  : 
But  one  among  the  Spaniards  fought  for  Right, 
And  took  in  righteous  deeds  a  keen  delight, 
And  strove  to  shield  the  savage  from  his  foes — 
To  wrest  from  slavish  bonds,  and  countless  woes  ; — 
And  Mercy  o'er  his  name  a  garland  throws — 
Bartholomew  Las  Casas  of  Castile."^ 
He  labored  long,  and  well,  with  patient  zeal. 
And  for  his  fellow-man  his  heart  could  feel. 
For  fifty  years  he  bore  this  noble  toil 
To  serve  the  Indian  on  his  native  soil, 
And  to  the  New  World,  sadly,  bade  good-b}^ 
And    mourned    the   wrongs   from    which   he    ne'er 
could  fly. 


*  Bartholomew  de  las  Casas,  (pronounce  Las  Cassas)  a 
native  of  Seville  and  a  priest,  was  appointed  in  1516,  by 
Cardinal  Ximenes,  who  acted  as  regent  after  the  death  of 
King  Ferdinand,  to  the  office  of  Protector  of  the  Indians  at 
his  own  solicitation.  He  had  accompanied  Columbus  on  his 
second  voyage  to  the  New  World,  and  saw  how  horribly  the 
Indians  were  oppressed  by«the  Spanish  yoke,  and  sought  to 
ameliorate  their  sufferings.  In  1551  Las  Casas,  after  having 
zealously  labored  for  fifty  years  in  behalf  of  the  "  Liberty, 
Comfort  and  Salvation  "  of  the  Indians,  returned  to  Spain,  a 
disappointed  man,  in  the  seventy-seventh  year  of  his  age.  He 
died  there  in  1566. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  19 

May  he  to  fame — Las  Casas — long  be  known — 
The  Red  Man's  friend,  whose  cause  he  made  his  own. 

IX. 

Columbus  in  the  New  World  lived  anew 

When  to  its  shores  Don  Diego's  squadron  drew.* 

He  sailed  while,  still,  Ovando  sat  the  throne. 

Which  once  his  father's,  now  became  his  own, 

And  Hayti  shone  with  splendor  erst  unknown. 

Then,  burning  with  the  glow  of  enterprise. 

He  toward  the  mainland  turned  his  eager  eyes — 

Resolved  adjacent  coasts  to  colonize — 

But,  quickly,  squadrons  reached  the  isle  from  Spain, 

Encroaching  on  Don  Diego's  wide  domain. 

The  King  had  cut  the  continent  in  twain. 

One  half,  Castile — the  Golden — he  had  named. 

Whose  ruler  Nicuesa  was  proclaimed  ; 

The  rest  New  Andalusia  he  called. 

And  in  command  Ojeda,  then,  installed. 

The  two  commanders — rivals — sailed  away 

To  bring  the  savage  land  beneath  their  sway, 

And  naught  of  this  their  mission  Diego  knew 

Till  they  at  San  Domingo  met  his  view. 

Ere  long  they  bade  to  Hayti's  shores  adieu, 

Ojeda  steering  east,  his  rival  west. 

And  each  with  hope,  and  courage,  in  his  breast. 

Pizarro — yet  to  conquer  in  Peru — 

Was  one,  among  Ojeda's  fiery  crew  ; 

And  Cortez — yet  in  Mexico  to  shine — 

Disease  compelled  the  voyage  to  resign. 


Ojeda  steered  to  Carthagena's  shore. 
Expecting  wealth  to  reap  in  golden  ore, 

*  Don  Diego  Columbus,  the  son  of   Christopher  Columbus, 
succeeded  Ovando  in  the  government  of  Hayti,  in  1509. 
t  Pronounce  Nee-que-essa. 


20  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

And  revel  in  a  paradise  of  charms — 

But  landing,  faced  a  multitude  in  arms. 

He  then  advanced,  and  bade  the  priests  proclaim 

His  holy  mission  and  his  lofty  aim, 

And  they,  in  stately  form,  began  to  read 

What  Spain's  divines  and  jurists  had  decreed; 

And  thus  the  solemn  formula  was  phrased  : — 

"  Jehovah's  name — O  savages  ! — be  praised ! 

Behold  a  captain  of  the  realm  of  Spain, 

Who  o'er  your  native  land  has  come  to  reign, 

And  o'er  your  idols  raise  the  Cross,  divine  ! 

Idolatry — ye  heathen  ! — then,  resign. 

The  Pope,  who  holds  on  earth  St.  Peter's  sway, 

All  savage  lands,  from  here,  to  far  Cathay, 

Has  on  the  Christian  monarchs  w^ell  bestowed  ; 

And  we,  their  servants,  come  to  point  the  road. 

Acknowledge,  then,  the  Christian  doctrine  true ; 

Revere  the  Pontiff,  and  for  favor  sue, 

And  to  the  Spanish  Crown  allegiance  swear. 

And  you  may,  each,  a  crown  of  glory  wear; 

But  fail  in  this,  and  woe  to  all  of  ye ! 

From  wrath  like  ours  't  were  vain  to  strive  to  flee  ; 

The  sword  shall  work  its  havoc,  far,  and  wide, 

And  desolation  travel  like  the  tide ; 

While  all  your  tribes  as  slaves  shall  ever  toil, 

And  all  your  riches  be  our  lawful  spoil ! " 

The  wond'ring  Red  Men  heard  the  strange  address. 

Which  threatened  thus  to  curse,  if  not  to  bless, 

But  on  their  ears  it  fell  as  empty  sound. 

The  tongue  was  new — the  argument  profound. 

Thus  Spain  designed  to  sanctify  her  crimes — 

Her  Christian  warfare  in  barbaric  climes. 


Submission  was  demanded,  but  in  vain. 

The  Red  Men  spurned  the  proffered  hand  of  Spain, 

For  Carthagena's  sons  were  strong  and  brave, 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  21 

And  fiercely,  to  the  soldiers,  battle  gave. 
Three  hundred  men  in  three  light  brigantines 
Were  actors  in  the  midst  of  warlike  scenes ; 
And  poisoned  arrows  winged  their  fatal  way 
From  naked  hosts  assembled  for  the  fray. 
Ojeda — ever  daring — drove  them  back, 
And  made  their  masses  reel  in  each  attack, 
Advancing,  further  inland,  day  by  day, 
And  vigilant  assailing  foes  to  slay. 
At  length,  when  he  his  conquest  deemed  complete, 
He  met  with  overwhelming,  dire  defeat. 
His  scattered  forces  went  in  search  of  spoils, 
And  fell  into  the  foe's  destructive  toils. 
And,  save  himself,  of  all  who'd  landed  there 
Not  one  was  left,  the  story  back  to  bear. 
He  cut  his  way  through  hosts  of  fighting  braves, 
Who  surged  around  him  like  engulfing  waves, 
And,  'neath  the  friendly  mantle  of  the  night, 
He  sought  escape  in  swift,  and  shoreward,  flight. 
Then,  with  the  dawn,  he  hid  himself  in  trees. 
And  to  the  Virgin  prayed  on  bended  knees. 
Till  Night  again  with  darkness  veiled  the  land. 
When  he  renewed  his  journey  toward  the  strand ; 
And  in  a  mangrove  thicket  down  he  lay 
When  in  the  east  he  saw  the  break  of  day. 
Those  on  the  ships,  the  while,  had  anxious  grown. 
For  naught,  on  board,  of  those  ashore  was  known ; 
And  when  they  searched,  their  search  was  all  in 

vain. 
Save  learning  this: — their  comrades,  lost,  were  slain. 
'T  was  as  they  neared  the  beach  to  re-embark, 
And  flee  the  coast  ere  shining  day  grew  dark — 
That  one  among  them — halting — uttered — "  Hark  ! " 
And  pointed  where  the  mangroves  thickest  grew. 
Then,  stooping,  peered  the  swampy  thicket  through. 
All  near  the  spot,  with  eyes  dilated,  drew, 


22  COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  FOLL  0  WERS. 

And  saw  a  Spaniard's  form  reclining  there. 
"  Ojeda !  "  cried  the  foremost,  "  I  will  swear.'* 
Yes !  on  the  mangroves'  matted  roots  he  lay, 
But,  though  alive,  his  strength  had  ebbed  away, 
And  not  a  word  the  famished  knight  could  say ; 
Yet  on  his  shoulder  still  he  bore  his  shield. 
And  in  his  hand  the  sword  he  could  not  wield. 
His  comrades  placed  him  gently  on  the  sand, 
And  prayed  for  help  from  the  Almighty's  hand. 
But  ere  they  bore  him,  shipward,  from  the  strand. 
They  saw  his  rival's  fleet  advancing  near, 
And  with  their  great  surprise  was  mingled  fear, 
For  he,  and  their  commander,  now,  were  foes. 
He  came,  perchance,  intent  on  striking  blows. 
Ojeda  whispered — "  Go,  and  leave  me  here 
Till  he,  again,  has  left  the  harbor  clear :  " 
But  when  Nicu'sa  heard  the  dismal  tale 
He  said — "A  crippled  foe  I'll  ne'er  assail. 
But  aid  him  as  a  brother  in  distress  ! 
Though  once  a  foe,  I'm  not  a  friend  the  less  !  " 
The  two,  no  longer  rivals,  met  once  more. 
And  Vengeance  vowed  on  all  that  savage  shore. 
Four  hundred  men  were  landed,  ripe  for  blood. 
And  marched,  in  darkness,  through  the  primal  wood, 
While  startled  parrots  vented  screaming  cries — 
As  if  intended  to  anathemize. 

At  length  they  reached  the  village  they  had  doomed, 
When  all  around  them  they  with  flames  illumed. 
And  slaughtered  either  sex — the  young,  and  old, 
And  stripped  them  of  their  ornaments  of  gold. 
Not  one  escaped  that  fatal  night  attack. 
And  of  the  village,  naught  was  left  but  wrack — 
The  hamlets  where  the  Spaniards  had  been  slain. 
Triumphant  o'er  the  savage,  now,  was  Spain  ! 
The  two  commanders  parted,  soon,  as  friends, 
Each  to  pursue  his  own  ambitious  ends. 


COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  FOLL  O  WERS,  23 

Ojeda  east,  his  comrade  to  the  west, 
Adventure  craving  with  an  equal  zest. 

X. 

Ojeda  landed  on  a  spacious  bay, 

And,  to  the  Virgin,  knelt  he  there  to  pray. 

And  San  Sebastian,  called  the  spot  he  chose, 

While  all  around  were  arrow-flinging  foes. 

He  sent  a  ship  to  Hayti  for  recruits, 

And  lived,  the  while,  on  roots,  and  scanty  fruits. 

A  ceaseless  battle  here  he  found  his  life, 

And  fast  his  forces  perished  in  the  strife. 

While  hunger,  and  disease,  were  ever  rife. 

Men  welcomed  death  as  yielding  sweet  relief 

From  horror,  and  despair,  and  bitter  grief. 

At  length,  one  bright  and  hope-inspiring  day. 

As  sorely  wounded — helpless — there  he  lay. 

While  tropic  vegetation  round  him  bloomed, 

A  sail  above  the  clear  horizon  loomed. 

And  Gladness  banished  Sorrow  from  his  heart, 

And  of  his  wounds  he  nigh  forgot  the  smart. 

He  deemed  it  brought  him  succor,  and  supplies 

To  push  anew  his  daring  enterprise  ; 

And  toward  it  all  directed  joyful  eyes. 

And  gave  unfettered  play  to  wild  delight 

As  by  degrees  it  swelled  upon  their  sight. 

It  anchored  where  the  camp  o'erlooked  the  sea. 

While  on  the  shore  prevailed  unbridled  glee, 

And  starving  men  indulged  in  dreams  of  bliss  : 

But  what  a  ship,  and  what  a  crew  was  this  ! 

'T  was  not  the  promised  bark  Ojeda  thought. 

Though  succor  she  to  dying  Spaniards  brought. 

And  though  from  Hayti's  isle  her  course  had  been, 

She  came  a  stranger  on  the  troubled  scene. 

And  bartered  food  for  gems,  and  plates  of  gold, 


24  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

Her  crew  a  horde  of  desperadoes,  bold, 

Who  cried — "  A  lawless,  pirate  gang  are  we  !  " 

A  stolen  ship,  with  stolen  freight,  was  she. 

With  Talavera  o'er  her  in  command, 

Aspiring  for  the  riches  of  the  land. 

Time  passed  away,  and  all  she  brought  had  gone. 

The  camp,  the  while,  still  dwindling,  one  by  one. 

And  clamor,  and  dissension,  rife  within  : 

Yet  still  Ojeda  treasure  strove  to  win, 

And  daily  hoped  for  succor,  ne'er  to  come. 

At  last  he  said — "  The  oracles  are  dumb  ; 

So  I,  myself,  to  Hayti's  isle  will  sail, 

Nor  to  return,  with  plenty,  I  shall  fail ; 

And  o'er  you  all  I'll  leave — my  trusty  band — 

Pizarro — Don  Francisco — in  command. 

The  pirate's  ship  will  bear  me  on  my  way, 

And  here,  the  while,  my  faithful  comrades  stay  !  '* 

The  pirate  crew  for  home  began  to  yearn. 

Nor,  with  Ojeda,  trembled  to  return. 

So  certain  death,  by  ling'ring  there,  appeared. 

For  Hayti's  isle,  with  him,  they  gladly  steered. 

And  deemed  escape  from  such  a  coast  a  boon  : 

But  he  with  Talavera  quarrelled  soon, 

And  by  the  gang  was  fettered  to  the  deck. 

Ere  long  they  feared  their  bark  would  prove  a  wreck, 

And  then  they  freed  him,  and  implored  his  aid. 

The  storm  that  raged  appalling  havoc  made. 

And  some  despaired  of  reaching  Hayti  more. 

But  in  the  end  were  cast  on  Cuba's  shore, 

The  caravel  unfit  to  longer  sail — 

A  leaky  vessel  shattered  by  the  gale. 

Against  their  lot  the  crew  began  to  rail. 

But  overland  Ojeda  led  the  way — 

A  toilsome  march  that  filled  them  with  dismay — 

And  many  perished  ere  the  task  was  done 

Beneath  the  fervor  of  that  torrid  sun. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS,  25 

At  length  the  wand'rers  gained  the  eastern  coast, 

And  met,  with  joy,  a  friendly  Indian  host, 

And  saw  Jamaica's  mountains  far  away, 

For  distant  twenty  leagues  the  island  lay. 

The  natives  told  of  Spaniards  there,  by  signs — 

Men  who,  for  gold,  were    prone     to     search    the 

mines ; 
And  thither  sent  Ojeda  a  canoe 
For  succor,  from  his  countrymen,  to  sue. 
Don  Diego  there  had  placed  a  trusty  band 
To  colonize,  and  cultivate,  the  land, 
With  Esquibel — Don  Juan — in  command. 
And,  when  Ojeda's  message  reached  his  hand, 
A  vessel  spread  her  sails  for  Cuba's  strand  ; 
And  all  were  thus  to  fair  Jamaica  borne. 
The  pirate  crew  embraced  it  as  their  bourn. 
Ojeda,  only,  on  to  Hayti  sailed. 
But  there  in  finding  succor  sadly  failed, 
And  died,  ere  long,  in  San  Domingo,  poor — 
So  poor  he  found  a  pauper's  grave,  obscure  ; — 
Neglected  as  an  unsuccessful  man — 
He  who  had  oft  so  proudly  led  the  van. 
Thus,  as  a  gourd,  his  glory  passed  away. 
And  he,  to  disappointment,  fell  a  prey. 
The  dauntless  spirit  grief,  at  last,  o'ercame. 
And  briefly  he  survived  the  wreck  of  fame. 
The  chivalry  of  ocean,  he  adorned. 
And,  splendid  in  his  courage,  cowards  scorned. 
Yet  perished  like  the  meanest  of  mankind. 
The  world  to  all  his  ancient  prowess  blind — 
Alonzo  de  Ojeda,  reckless,  brave — 
And  none  could  tell  where  lay  his  humble  grave. 
Ere  this  the  pirate  crew  were  captive  made, 
And  on  the  gibbet  Talavera  swayed — 
Fit  end  to  his  adventurous, career, 
Whose  m^ral,  like  its  infamy,  is  clear. 


26  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 


XI. 

Don  Diego  turned  his  thoughts  to  Cuba's  shore, 

For  rumor  made  it  rich  in  golden  ore, 

And  there  he  sent  a  bold  exploring  band, 

And  to  Velasquez  gave  the  chief  command. 

Three  hundred  strong,   the   Spaniards  ranged   the 

isle — 
A  Christian  host  and  yet  satanic,  vile — 
Nor  one  of  all  their  number  there  was  slain 
Ere  Cuba  passed  a  conquest  o'er  to  Spain. 
They  swiftly  swept  the  native  race  away ; 
And  at  their  feet  a  groaning  people  lay 
And  cursed  their  blighting  and  tyrannic  sway. 
They  fell  as  falls  the  grass  before  the  scythe, 
And  on  the  stake,  too  oft,  were  seen  to  writhe. 
A  chieftain  who  from  Hayti's  shore  had  fled 
Was  to  the  verge  of  flaming  fagots  led, 
And  asked  if  he'd  the  Christian  faith  embrace, 
And  win  thereby  in  Paradise  a  place. 
"  Will  such  as  you,"  the  savage  spoke,  "  be  there  ?  " 
The  priest  responded  with  a  solemn  air — 
"All  righteous  Spaniards  to  that  bourn  repair." 
"  Then,"  said  the  chief,  "  I  thither  ne'er  will  go. 
For  that  would  be  a  heritage  of  woe. 
Than  with  that  race  accursed  ever  dwell 
I'd  rather  live  eternally  in  Hell." 
The  priest  in  holy  horror  raised  his  eyes. 
"  Torment  him,"  cried  Velasquez,  "  as  he  dies.'* 
A  moment  later  flames  around  him  roared, 
And  he  was  cut  to  pieces  by  the  sword ; 
But  ere  he  died  Velasquez  raised  his  voice, 
And  said — "  The  holy  angels  all  rejoice 
To  see  the  writhing  infidel  expire. 
And  winds  from  heaven  are  sent  to  fan  the  fire." 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS,  27 

When  such  as  he  Invasion's  vanguard  led 
Well  might  the  name  of  Spaniard  kindle  dread, 
And  isles  of  beauty  reek  with  dusky  dead. 

XII. 

When  from  wild  Carlhagena's  gory  shore 

Bold  Nicuesa's  squadron  westward  bore, 

Rude,  baffling  storms  assailed  him  day  by  day, 

And  left  the  bark  he  sailed  a  castaway — 

A  stranded  wreck — one  dark,  and  awful  night ; 

And  when  the  morning  shed  its  welcome  light 

No  more  her  sister  vessels  met  the  sight. 

With  thankful  hearts,  her  crew  escaped  to  land, 

And  saw  her  broken  timbers  strew  the  strand, 

And  all  she  carried  swallowed  by  the  tide ; 

And  o'er  her  hapless  fate,  in  anguish,  sighed.     . 

With  scanty  raiment,  minus  arms,  and  food, 

They  found  themselves  in  savage  solitude. 

And  wandered  westward  by  the  ocean's  verge — 

And  listened,  as  they  journeyed,  to  its  dirge — 

But  sought  the  missing  squadron  all  in  vain. 

A  sailless  waste  of  billows  was  the  main. 

Thus  days,  and  weeks,  in  fruitless  toil  were  passed. 

And  some  before  the  prospect  stood  aghast, 

And  some  who  seldom  mourned  were  seen  to  weep. 

Their  only  boat  beside  them  skimmed  the  deep. 

And,  few  by  few,  in  this  they  crossed  a  bay 

That  in  their  course  along  the  sea-beach  lay. 

And,  landing,  found  their  resting-place  an  isle, 

A  gulf  beyond  it  stretching  many  a  mile. 

They  longed  to  flee  the  spot  ere  fell  the  night, 

But  day  already  showed  declining  light, 

And  so  they  camped  upon  its  marshy  soil. 

And  sought  in  slumber  rest  from  anxious  toil; 

But  when  the  morrow  broke  no  boat  was  there. 


28  COL  UMB  US  A  ND  HIS  FOLL  O  WERS. 

And  sunken  cheeks  grew  livid  with  despair. 
Were  those  who  manned  her,  Hke  her,  now  no  more  ? 
Or  had  they  steered  her  to  some  other  shore, 
And  left  their  helpless  comrades  there  to  die  ? 
Long,  weary  weeks  again  went  slowly  by, 
And  famine,  and  disease,  and  wearing  grief 
Made  lives  as  prone  to  wither  as  a  leaf ; 
And  thus  they  saw  their  numbers  dwindle  fast, 
While  only  shadows  on  their  lot  were  cast. 
Some  uttefed  groans,  and  lamentations,  loud, 
And  some  in  mute  despair  were  sadly  bowed : 
Some  called  on  God  for  succor,  and  for  grace, 
And  some  were  Death,  impatient  to  embrace. 
At  length  one  morn  on  ocean's  wrinkled  face 
They  saw  a  sight  that  filled  them  with  delight — 
A  swelling  sail  that  shone  with  golden  light. 
No  bounds  their  transports  in  that  moment  knew. 
On  toward  the  shore  the  distant  vessel  flew ; 
And  yet  the  isle  might  well  escape  its  view ; 
But  nearer  came  the  welcome,  speeding  ship, 
And  prayers  for  rescue  rose  to  ev'ry  lip. 
'T  was  of  the  missing  fleet — a  brigantine, 
And  in  her  boat  the  missing  crew  were  seen. 
They  rowed  ashore,  and  told  their  stirring  tale  : — 
How  they  had  left  the  isle,  to  eastward  sail, 
Expecting  thus  the  squadron,  soon,  to  find, 
And  prove  their  motive  for  desertion,  kind  : 
How  when  the  river  Belen  met  their  eyes. 
They  felt  rewarded  for  their  enterprise. 
And  saw  the  squadron's  ruins  crumbling  there. 
And  on  the  shore  their  comrades  in  despair : 
And  how  they  thus  with  succor  reached  the  isle. 
And  turned  the  frown  of  Fortune  to  a  smile. 
The  crews  embraced  on  meeting,  and  with  tears, 
For  sorrow  makes  us  kindred,  and  endears  ; 
And  all  together  sailed  for  Belen's  stream. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  29 

The  rescued  saw  the  future  brightly  gleam, 

So  great  the  change  that  o'er  them  came  appeared, 

But  those  who  rescued,  worse  disaster  feared. 

For  they  had  dwelt  where  Belen's  waters  flowed. 

And  all  their  features  woe,  and  famine  showed. 

They  reached  the  camp — a  sorry,  dismal  scene — 

And  saw  their  comrades  haggard,  wan,  and  lean, 

Four  hundred  less  than  when  they  landed  there, 

And  in  their  eyes,  dejection,  and  despair. 

Three  hundred  still  survived,  but  wrecked  in  health, 

And  disappointed  of  their  promised  wealth. 

Olano*  o'er  the  squadron  held  command, 

And  welcomed  Nicuesa  to  the  land. 

But  he  his  false  lieutenant  met  with  scorn. 

And  cried — "  To  be  a  traitor  you  were  born  ! 

You  o'er  the  squadron  longed  for  boundless  sway, 

And  from  the  bark  that  bore  me  steered  away, 

Nor  sent  a  single  craft  to  learn  my  fate. 

Such  base  desertion  merits  more  than  hate. 

Go  wail  in  bondage  o'er  your  cruel  crime. 

And  I  will  slay  you  at  the  fitting  time  ! " 

And  as  a  traitor  he  was  seized,  and  bound. 

While  all  his  fellow  captains  stood  around. 

"  You,  too,"  their  chief  in  indignation,  cried, 

"  Are  with  the  stain  of  crime  as  foully  dyed. 

Or  ye'd   have   searched   the   sea,  and   ranged   the 

shore!" 
"We  deemed,"  said  they,  "yourself,   and  ship,   no 

more  ; 
That  she — alas  ! — had  foundered  in  the  gale, 
And  all  our  search,  in  finding  her,  would  fail :  '* 
So  he,  at  length,  was  won  to  Mercy's  side, 
And  by  his  aot  not  one  offender  died. 


*  Lope  de  Olano,  Nicuesa's  first-lieutenant. 


30  COL  UMB  US  A  ND  HIS  FOLL  O  WERS. 


XIII. 

Disease,  and  Famine,  were  the  Spaniards'  foes, 

And  native  hosts  allowed  them  no  repose. 

Their  hunger  forced  them,  once,  to  rob  the  grave,  • 

And  eat  the  putrid  body  of  a  brave. 

And  thirty  perished  by  the  foul  repast. 

Then  Nicuesa  stood,  again,  aghast, 

And  from  the  mournful  spot  resolved  to  flee, 

And  trust  his  damaged  fortunes  to  the  sea. 

Two  brigantines,  alone,  were  left  him  now, — 

Save  what  Olano  built — a  masted  scow, — 

And  he,  with  these,  his  way  began  to  plough ; 

But  there  a  few  were  forced  to  linger  still, 

And  bow  submissive  to  their  Maker's  will. 

Due  east  along  the  coast  he  led  the  way, 

And  reached,  ere  long,  a  small  sequestered  bay. 

"  Here,  in  the  name  of  God,"  ^  said  he,  "  we'll  land, 

And  plant  the  Cross,  devoutly,  in  the  sand ! " 

But  Indian  foes,  and  famine,  mowed  them  down. 

And  Fortune,  still,  was  only  seen  to  frown. 

All  living  things  they  welcomed  as  their  food — 

The  alligator,  and  his  slimy  brood. 

And  all  the  crawling  reptiles  they  could  find. 

And  loathsome  snakes,  regardless  of  their  kind. 

A  bark  was  sent  for  those  they'd  left  behind. 

Yet  but  a  hundred  met  when  all  were  joined. 

And  sick,  and  wasted,  these,  with  sadness  groined. t 

*  From  these  words  it  took  its  name — Nombre  de  Dios. 
It  was  the  port  which  Columbus  had  previously  named 
Puerto  de  Pastimientos,  or  Port  of  Provisions.  Nicuesa  had 
previously  louched  at  Porto  Bello,  and  been  driven  off  by  the 
Indians. 

t  Groin  was  used  by  Chaucer  as  the  equivalent  of  groan, 
although  the  word  is  now  obsolete. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  31 

The  craft  to  Hayti  sailed  for  fresh  supplies, 
But  fatal  proved,  alas!  the  enterprise, 
For  ne'er  again  it  reached  a  friendly  shore. 
Or  e'er  was  heard  of,  by  the  Spaniards,  more. 
Time  wore  away,  and  horrors  greater  grew. 
Till,  lo  !  the  hundred  dwindled  to  a  few. 
And  these  too  weak  to  guard  the  fort  by  night, 
Or  sally  forth,  assailing  foes  to  fight. 
Of  all  that  noble  squadron's  gallant  host. 
Which  of  so  much,  of  yore,  could  proudly  boast, 
These — these  alone — remained  the  tale  to  tell 
How  to  the  world  their  comrades  bade  farewell. 

XIV. 

Before  Ojeda  San  Sebastian  left — 

To  seek  for  much  of  which  he  stood  bereft — 

His  friend  Enciso  *  sailed  to  lend  him  aid, 

But  ere  he  sailed,  alas  !  too  long  delayed. 

When  Hayti's  palms  had  vanished  from  his  view. 

And  sky,  and  ocean,  met  in  kindred  blue. 

He  heard  a  strange,  sepulchral  voice  arise, 

And  cast  around  a  look  of  wild  surprise, 

But  sought  the  speaker,  o'er,  and  o'er,  in  vain. 

'*  Perchance    some    saint    addressed    me    from    the 

skies ! " 
He  whispered  to  himself,  and  raised  his  eyes, 
"  Or  from  the  deep  some  warning  angel  spoke. 
Oh  !  may  the  Lord  His  blessings  ne'er  revoke," 
And  on  the  sea,  in  silence,  down  he  gazed. 
And  with  his  lips  the  holy  trio  praised. 


*  Bachelor  Martin  Fernandez  de  Enciso,  a  lawyer  of  San 
Domingo,  who  had  been  induced  l)y  Ojeda,  before  sailing,  to 
promise  to  fit  out  a  vessel  at  his  own  expense,  and  join  him 
in  the  new  colony. 


32  COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  POLL  O  WERS. 

Again  the  voice  was  heard,  but  hoarse,  and  near, 
And  then  the  Spaniard  showed  a  trace  of  fear, 
And  deemed  that  Satan — not  a  Saint — was  there. 
"  A  Spanish  oath,"  Enciso  cried,  "  I  swear  !  " 

Yet  once  again  it  caught  his  list'ning  ear. 

And  then  a  blow  was  heard,  resounding,  clear. 

While  from  a  cask  the  head — projected — flew, 

And  in  its  place  another  rose  to  view — 

A  human  head — a  Spaniard's  face,  and  form. 

Enciso  seemed  himself  a  gath'ring  storm 

As  he  surveyed  his  strange,  mysterious  guest — 

One  like  a  poor,  but  gay,  hidalgo  dressed — 

And  rudely,  then,  assailed  him  where  he  stood, 

And  asked  his  mission  ere  he  shed  his  blood. 

"  This  stratagem,"  the  stranger  well  replied — 

*'  May  good  to  you,  but  ill  can  ne'er,  betide. 

For  I  have  come  to  join  your  daring  crew, 

And  this  my  advent  you,  nor  yours,  will  rue. 

I  own  myself  a  fugitive,  to  you. 

But  to  your  cause  you'll  find  me  stanch,  and  true. 

My  creditors — rapacious — rabid,  grew. 

And  to  appease  them  naught  but  gold  would  do. 

And  I,  alas  !  of  that  had  none,  I  knew. 

Thus  deep  in  debt,  and  light  of  heart  and  purse, 

I  vowed  to  flee  the  isle  that  seemed  my  curse. 

I'm  Vasco  Nunez  de  Balboa — yea, 

A  seeker  for  the  riches  of  Cathay  ! 

I  with  Bastides  left  the  shores  of  Spain, 

Expecting  wealth,  and  great  renown,  to  gain  ; 

Yet,  now,  behold  me  poorer  than  before. 

But  strong,  ambitious,  brave,  I  still  may  soar. 

I  speak  the  truth,  nor  falsely  e'er  averred  ; 

And  though — as  from  an  &gg  escapes  a  bird — 

I  here  appear  to  seek  adventure,  new, 

And  for  your  favor  thus  to  meekly  sue — 


COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  POLL O  WERS.  33 

My  callow  days  are  numbered  with  the  past, 
And  I  aspire  to  win  renown  at  last ! " 
Enciso's  anger  quickly  died  away, 
And  Vasco  Nunez,  once  again,  was  gay. 

XV. 

The  ship  to  Carthagena  found  her  way. 

And  anchored  in  its  deep,  and  sheltered  bay. 

The  natives  brandished  weapons  on  the  shore. 

And  feared  Ojeda's  troops  had  come  once  more  : 

But  when  the  Spaniards  made  them  friendly  signs 

They  banished  with  their  wrath  their  fierce  designs. 

And  then  displayed  a  calm,  pacific  mien — 

So  easy  't  was  their  hearts  from  war  to  wean — 

And,  hospitably,  toward  them  nearer  drew, 

Though  Spaniards  there,  before,  their  kinsmen  slew, 

Unmindful  of  their  sex,  or  yet  their  age, 

And  hamlets  burned,  and  ravaged,  in  their  rage. 

They  rose  above  the  spirit  of  revenge, 

Nor  sought  their  wrongs,  terrific,  to  avenge. 

As  there  the  vessel  lay,  a  sail  was  seen, 

And  into  port  there  sailed  a  brigantine. 

Enciso  marvelled  much  at  such  a  sight, 

And  some,  on  board,  surveyed  her  with  delight, 

While  others  feared  the  stranger  boded  harm, 

And  yielded  to  suspicions,  and  alarm. 

For  in  those  lonely  seas  a  sail  was  rare. 

Some  deemed  a  phantom  ship  was  sailing  there : 

But  on  she  came,  and  anchored  by  their  side. 

While  from  her  prow  a  Spaniard  "  Welcome  !  "  cried. 

From  San  Sebastian's  shore  she'd  ploughed  her  way. 

Nor  longer  there  her  starving  crew  could  stay. 

Ojeda  failed  to  bring  them  back  supplies, 

And  for  a  sail  they,  vainly,  strained  their  eyes. 

Two  brigantines  were  left,  and  these  were  filled. 


34  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

But  both  were  light,  and  fragile,  in  their  build, 
And  one,  ere  long,  went  down  with  all  on  board, 
Who,  from  their  comrades,  help,  in  vain,  implored. 
Of  all  Ojeda's  squadron  naught  remained. 
Save  this  lone,  feeble  craft,  by  tempests  strained, 
And  those  she  bore — the  last  surviving  few 
Of  his  once  proud,  and  truly  gallant  crew ; 
And  o'er  them,  still,  Pizarro  held  command. 
And  ruled  with  kind,  and  yet  determined,  hand. 

XVI. 

Enciso  would  to  San  Sebastian  go, 
Despite  the  tale  he  heard  of  thrilling  woe, 
And  on  Pizarro  he,  at  length,  prevailed 
To  backward  turn  ;  and  both,  together,  sailed  : 
But  to  his  own,  and  comrades',  bitter  cost. 
Just  as  he  reached  the  port  his  ship  was  lost, 
And  with  her  all — but  human  lives — she  bore, 
While  breakers  lashed,  and  roared,  along  the  shore. 
The  fortress,  and  the  huts,  in  ruins  lay, 
And  hostile  natives  filled  him  with  dismay. 
'T  was  now  that  Vasco  Nunez  forward  came. 
And  said  that  with  Bastides — known  to  fame — 
He  years  before  had  voyaged  past  the  coast, 
And  found  the  Indians  there  a  friendly  host. 
And  rich  in  food,  and  gold,  the  country  round, 
While  with  a  ring  of  gold  the  chief  was  crowned. 
The  spot  was  by  Darien's  stream,  and  west, 
Where  palm-trees  threw  their  shadows  on  its  breast. 
There  went  the  Spaniards  in  the  brigantine. 
And  charming  to  the  eye  appeared  the  scene. 

The  green  enamelled  leaves  of  koo-chook  trees  * 
Were  whisp'ring  softly  in  the  tropic  breeze, 

*  Caoutchouc,  or  India-rubber. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  35 

While  from  the  gramalott — high  water-grass — 

And  tabaquills — the  weeds  of  the  morass — 

Aquatic  birds,  from  time  to  time,  arose — 

Snipes,  herons,  pipers,  fishers,  and  the  rest. 

Each  with  a  touch  of  beauty  on  its  breast ; 

And  crocodiles  lay  gilded  by  the  sun — 

Grim  monsters  sunk  in  slime,  and  long  and  dun. 

Where  mangroves  in  the  swamps  luxuriant  grew 

The  manatus — the  sea-cow — met  the  view ; 

And  cormorants  were  wand'ring  to  and  fro, 

Or  diving  in  the  liquid  depths  below, 

And  venting  screams  discordant,  harsh,  and  shrill. 

Save  in  the  noontide  heats,  when  all  was  still ; 

And  in  his  swinging  hammock  Man  reposed, 

And  on  the  world  his  eyes — contented — closed. 

Atrato's  waters  in  the  sunlight  gleamed, 

And  with  the  finny  tribe — disporting — teemed. 

While  in  their  champas  natives  skimmed  it  o'er. 

Great    caves   and    grottoes,    marked    the    ocean's 

shore, 
Where  waves  were  wont,  when  tempests  raged,  to 

roar; — 
And    boil,    and    foam,   and    fret,    and   plunge,    in 

storms ; — 
For  Neptune  here  had  carved  fantastic  forms — 
The  work  of  ages  and  the  sportive  brine — 
The  tapestry  of  rocks,  of  strange  design — 
The  sculpture  fashioned  by  the  hand  divine. 

XVII.     . 

The  forest  seemed  alive  with  plumaged  throngs, 
And    here,  and     there,    they    sang    their    sylvan 

songs — 
The  cardinal,  and  tropeo,  and  more — 
While  turkeys,  toucans,  parrots — score  on  score — 


36  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

With  gaudy  colors,  flamed  before  the  eye  ; 

And  crested,  white  macaws  were  heard  to  cry, 

And  mocking-birds  to  warble  in  the  shade, 

Where  agile  monkeys  in  the  branches  played. 

Majestic  trees  their  lofty  branches  twined. 

And  formed  arcades,  as  if  by  man  designed —     - 

Vast  avenues,  of  architecture  grand — 

Their  arches,  with  capricious  vines  festooned, 

And  Nature's  harps  geolian  there  attuned. 

The  Cordilleras  rose  against  the  sky, 

A  mighty  background — grand,  eternal,  high — 

With  splendid  vegetation  gayly  dressed. 

The  verdure  reaching  almost  to  their  crest, 

While  over  all  the  sun  resplendent  shone. 

Diffusing  lustre  from  his  dazzling  throne. 

The  nights  were  vocal  with  the  sounds  of  life — 

The  forest  with  the  hum  of  voices  rife  : — 

The  night-birds  screamed  and  hooted  on  the  air ; 

The  frogs,  in  concert,  told  that  they  were  there  ; 

The  monkeys  cried,  and  chattered  to  the  moon, 

And  herons  spoke  from  river,  or  lagoon. 

While  shining  stars — the  flow'rets  of  the  skies — 

Looked  down  on  dancing,  gleaming,  fiery  flies. 

xvrii. 

Enciso,  landing,  stormed  the  Indian  town, 
And  slew  the  monarch  with  the  golden  crown, 
And  drove  his  people  from  their  wild  domain. 
Or  left  them,  where  they'd  bravely  battled,  slain  ; 
Then  plundered  where  he'd  conquered,  and,  behold  ! 
Ten  thousand  castellanos  gained,  of  gold. 
He,  then,  Darien  named  the  spot,  and  there 
Began  to  rule  as  the  alcalde  mayor  : 
But  in  the  Spaniards'  midst,  dissensions  rose, 
Enciso  found  them,  one  and  all,  his  foes. 


COL  UMB  US  A  ND  IIJS  FOL  L  O  WERS.  37 

And  Vasco  Nunez  fanned  the  fire  of  hate, 
And — with  his  comrades — stripped  him  of  his  stale, 
But  ere  his  place,  a  new  commander  filled, 
And  ere  the  tumult  of  the  camp  was  stilled. 
The  sound  of  distant  cannon  caught  the  ear. 
Men  paused  to  list  in  wonder,  and  in  fear. 
Then  from  the  brigantine  a  gun  replied. 
And  toward  the  shore  a  ship  was  seen  to  glide ; 
Another,  too,  behind  it,  soon,  was  eyed — 
Two  barks  for  Nicuesa,  with  supplies. 
The  sight  moved  all  with  gladness,  and  surprise. 
O'er  these  one  Colmenaris  held  command, 
And  claimed  the  coast  as  Nicuesa's  land. 
To  whom  for  aid  the  camp  resolved  to  look. 
And,  with  him,  Colmenaris  envoys  took, 
Who  found  his  chief  where  last  we  left  his  band. 
With  hollow  cheek,  and  eye,  and  shrivelled  hand. 
And  only  sixty  left  of  all  he'd  ruled — 
Men  bitterly  in  want,  and  warfare,  schooled — 
And  begged  him  to  their  camp  to  take  his  way, 
And  o'er  it  hold  a  rightful  ruler's  sway. 
He  felt  as  one  restored  from  death  to  life — 
As  one  who'd  proved  a  victor  in  the  strife — 
But  indiscreetly  made  prophetic  signs. 
And  spoke,  in  vaunting  tone,  of  harsh  designs. 
The  envoys  heard,  and  quickly  took  alarm. 
For  words  like  his  foreboded  naught  but  harm, 
And  speeding  back  before  he  left  the  land 
They  cried — "  Beware  !  you  court   a  knave's  com- 
mand !  " 
Then  all  were  sad  to  contemplate  their  deed, 
From  which  it  seemed  too  late  to,  now,  recede ; 
But  Vasco  Nunez  said — "  No  more  despair  ! 
For  you  the  evil  work  can,  soon,  repair 
By  not  receiving  him  for  whom  you've  sent. 
He  naught  can  do  but  rage  with  discontent." 


38  COL  UMB  US  AND  HIS  POLL  O  WERS. 

His  comrades  deemed  his  counsel  truly  wise, 

And  toward  the  ocean  turned  expectant  eyes, 

And  saw,  ere  long,  the  promised  bark  appear ; 

Then  gathered  on  the  beach  when  she  was  near. 

And  warned  him — Nicuesa — from  the  shore. 

He  marvelled  much,  and  felt  exceeding  sore. 

And — night  approaching — steered  again  to  sea, 

But  in  the  morning  back,  once  more,  was  he. 

He,  then,  was  asked  to  parley  on  the  beach. 

And  found  himself  ensnared  within  their  reach. 

For  as  he  touched  the  ground  he  felt  their  blows : 

But  he  was  fleet,  and  fled  his  angry  foes. 

He  gained  the  friendly  woods,  by  these  pursued. 

And  wandered  there,  awhile,  in  solitude. 

When  Vasco  Nunez*  saw  the  people's  rage 

He  tried  their  stormy  passions  to  assuage. 

Repenting  of  the  fury  he'd  aroused. 

While  those  around  on  native  wine  f  caroused  : 

But  all  in  vain  he  counselled  measures,  mild. 

His  comrades  seemed  with  indignation  wild. 

They  seized  on  Nicuesa  in  the  wood, 

And  threatened  there,  and  then,  to  shed  his  blood ; 

But,  in  the  end,  resolved  his  life  to  spare 

If  he'd  to  Spain  without  ado  repair. 

In  fear  of  death,  the  promise  asked  he  gave. 

Though  he  was,  like  his  nation,  proud,  and  brave. 

They  forced  him  on  a  leaky  brigantine, 

Which  sailed  away,  but  ne'er  again  was  seen, 

Nor  one  survived  her  tragic  fate  to  tell.$ 

Thus  Nicuesa  bade  the  world  farewell. 


*  After  Enciso    had   been    deprived    of    his  office,   Vasco 
Nunez  de  Balboa,  and  another,  were  appointed  alcaldes. 

t  Made  from  maize,  and  the  pineapple. 

%  Nicuesa  sailed  on  March  i,  151 1. 


COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS.  39 


XIX. 

The  hapless  bark  had  vanished  from  the  view/ 
But  on  Darien's  strand  contention  grew. 
Enciso  tried,  condemned,  and  sent  to  Spain,* 
Left  Vasco  Nunez  o'er  the  band  to  reign. 
Who  frank,  and  fearless,  and  of  courteous  ways, 
Had  won  his  comrades'  confidence,  and  praise. 
Tall,  strongly  built,  and  full  of  manly  grace, 
With  auburn  locks  and  prepossessing  face. 
And  young,  though  verging  on  the  noon  of  life, 
He  looked  a  leader,  born  to  conquer  strife, 
And  soothe  the  angry  passions  of  his  band 
By  ruling  with  a  firm,  but  gentle  hand. 
He  labored,  now,  success,  and  gold,  to  win — 
For  these  he  deemed  atoned  for  ev'ry  sin — 
And  prove  his  skill,  and  fitness  for  command 
By  deeds  of  valor,  and  achievements  grand. 
He  heard  of  regions  rich  in  precious  ore, 
And  sent  Pizarro  thither  to  explore, 


*  The  bachelor  Enciso  was  charged  with  usurping  the 
powers  of  alcalde  mayor  on  the  mere  appointment  of  Ojeda, 
who  had  no  authority  over  this  territory,  it  being  included  in 
the  province  assigned  by  the  Crown  to  Nicuesa.  He  was 
found  guilty,  and  imprisoned,  while  his  property  was  confis- 
cated ;  but  afterwards  he  was  released,  and  allowed  to  return 
to  Spain,  where  he  made  representations  concerning  these 
harsh  measures  at  the  Court,  which  greatly  prejudiced  King 
Ferdinand  against  Vasco  Nuiiez  de  Balboa,  and  led  to  the 
appointment  of  Don  Pedrarias  Davila  as  governor  of 
Darien,  who  ultimately  caused  the  execution  of  Vasco 
Nunez.  The  latter,  however — then  about  thirty-five  years  of 
age — succeeded  to  the  command  of  the  colony  after  the  de- 
parture of  Enciso,  and  his  own  fellow-alcalde,  Zamudio — 
who  went  with  him  to  counteract  any  injurious  representations 
he  might  make  in  Spain — and  this  command  he  retained 
until  the  arrival  of  Pedrarias. 


40  •  COLUMBUS  AND  HIS  FOLLOWERS. 

And  when  Pizarro  back,  defeated,  came — 

And  left  behind  a  comrade  sick,  and  lame — 

He  made  him  feel  the  bitterness  of  shame. 

He,  then,  returned,  and  so  the  comrade  saved, 

Though  countless  perils  in  the  task  he  braved. 

To  those  who'd  Nicuesa's  fortunes  shared — 

At  Nombre  Dios — brigantines  repaired, 

And  to  Darien's  camp  the  remnant  bore  ; 

And  glad  were  they  to  leave  that  fatal  shore. 

Two  Spaniards,  who'd  deserted  long  before. 

Were  by  them  found  arrayed  in  Indian  guise, 

And  leaders  in  barbaric  enterprise — 

The  guests  of  Coyba's  chief — Careeta  named, 

And  for  his  might,  and  prowess,  justly  famed ; 

And  these,  returning,  Vasco  Nunez  told 

Of  all  his  stores  of  food,  and  pearls,  and  gold, 

Betraying  him  who'd  sheltered  them  of  old. 

Then  Vasco  Nunez  planned  his  overthrow 

By  striking,  in  the  night,  a  crushing  blow. 

'T  was  done,  and   he — the   chief — was  plunged  in 

woe. 
He  saw  himself,  his  wives,  and  children,  bound, 
And  gazed,  in  sadness,  on  the  scene  around. 
When  Vasco  Nunez  met  his  pensive  eye, 
The  captive  clanked  his  chain,  and  heaved  a  sigh, 
And  thus,  in  mournful  accents,  slowly  spoke  : — 
''  Why  bow  me  down  to  such  a  cruel  yoke 
When  I,  nor  mine,  have  ever  done  thee  wrong  ? 
'T  is  true  I'm  weak,  and  thou,  and  thine,  are  strong; 
But  I  have  seen  the  Spaniard  in  his  need. 
And  succored  him,  and  proved  a  friend  indeed. 
When  first  I  saw  thee  near  my  dwelling-place 
I  met  thee  not  with  anger  in  my  face. 
But  welcomed  thee  with  brotherly  embrace. 
And  gave  thee  of  the  best  that  I  possessed. 
Yet  thou  wouldst,  thus,  from  me  my  freedom  wrest ! 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  4 1 

Oh  !  set  me  free,  and  I,  and  mine,  will  be, 
For  ever,  faithful  friends  to  thine,  and  thee. 
And  all  thy  wants  supply,  from  time  to  time, 
And  show  thee  all  the  riches  of  the  clime ; 
And  as  a  pledge  of  friendship,  true,  sincere, 
I'll  give  thee  one  I  hold  supremely  dear — 
Yea  love,  and  cherish  as  I  would  my  life — 
My  daughter — Vasco  Nunez — as  thy  wife  !  '* 
Before  his  eyes  the  damsel  captive  stood — 
A  lovely  form  in  life's  expanding  bud — 
Dejected,  trembling,  beautiful,  and  chaste, 
And  by  the  charms  of  nature  only  graced — 
A  Venus  with  a  wealth  of  raven  hair. 
To  Vasco  Nunez  she  was  wondrous  fair. 
And  to  Careeta's  offer  he  replied — 
"  I'll  take  the  maiden  gladly  as  my  bride. 
And  naught  you  ask  to  you  shall  be  denied. 
For  I  would  turn  my  native  foes  to  friends ; 
And  wise  is  he  who  Cross,  and  Crown  defends  !  " 
That  captive  fair  the  captor  captive  led, 
For  to  his  heart  a  dart  from  Cupid  sped, 
And  in  the  beauty's  smiles  he  found  delight, 
And  ne'er  before  had  eyes  appeared  so  bright. 


PART  II. 

The  Pacific  Ocean  Discovered. 

I. 

Don  Vasco  Nunez  kept  his  promise  true. 

And  he  and  King  Careeta  friendly  grew. 

He  served  the  chieftain's  friends,  and  fought  his  foes, 

And  brought  his  war  with  Ponca  to  a  close  ; 


42  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

For  Ponca — like  himself  a  great  cazique — 

Was  in  the  mountains  forced  to  shelter  seek, 

His  country  ravaged,  and  his  people  slain 

By  Vasco  Nunez  and  the  troops  of  Spain  ; 

Who,  then,  adventured  on  Comagre's  plain, 

And  reaped  a  harvest,  rich,  of  virgin  gold. 

A  tale  to  Vasco  Nunez  there  was  told, 

Which  fired  with  ardor,  new,  the  Spaniards'  breast, 

And  widened  Spain's  dominions  in  the  West. 

A  young  cazique — with  south-extended  hand — 

Said — "  See  those  mountains  yonder,  tall,  and  grand! 

Beyond  them  lies  an  ocean,  deep,  and  wide. 

Where    ships   with   sails — like    yours — are    seen   to 

glide,  * 
And,  with  their  oars,  their  course  the  rowers  guide. 
There — on  the  shores  that  stretch  along  the  main — ■ 
Proud  kings,  in  garments,  o'er  their  people  reign. 
And  eat,  and  drink,  from  vessels  wrought  of  ore, 
Which  glitters  on  each  river's  sandy  shore. 
There  that — the  yellow  gold  you  precious  deem — 
You'll  see  where'er  you  go  before  you  gleam. 
For  earth  with  shining  treasure  there  doth  teem  ! 
But  you  will  need  a  thousand  men  at  least 
Ere  on  its  fruits,  and  riches,  you  can  feast !  " 
These  welcome  words,  that  Vasco  Nunez  heard, 
His  heart  with  joyful  expectations  stirred. 
He  then  resolved  to  win  this  dazzling  prize. 
And  crown  his  life  with  fruitful  enterprise. 
He  hastened  to  Darien  to  prepare. 
And  found  Valdivia  t — with  provisions,  there. 

*  He  doubtless  referred  to  the  bolsas  of  Peru — large  rafts, 
nearly  square,  and  each  with  a  single  mast,  and  sail.  These 
vessels  are  still  used  on  the  west  coast  of  South  America. 

t  Valdivia,  who  was  chosen  Regidor  of  the  colony  after  the 
deposition  of  Enciso,  had  been  sent  to  San  Domingo,  for  pro- 
visions, and  recruits,  on  the  departure  of  the  latter,  who  was 
to  touch  at  that  port  on  his  way  to  Spain. 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  43 

"  To  San  Domingo  back,"  said  he,  "  repair, 
And  this  dispatch  to  Hayti's  ruler  bear, 
Which  tells  him  of  a  region,  rich  and  new, 
That  I  am  eager — Regidor — to  view. 
Solicit  him  to  ask  the  King  for  aid. 
Describing  all  the  progress  we  have  made : 
And  take  the  treasure  with  you  for  the  Crown — 
The  royal  fifth  that  we  have  melted  down — 
And  have  it  sent  without  delay  to  Spain  ; 
For  gold  may  win  when  words  are  all  in  vain  ! " 

II. 

Valdivia  sailed,  and  Vasco  Nunez  mused, 

And,  then,  along  the  coast,  for  booty,  cruised. 

He  heard  of  rich  Dobayba's  golden  fane, 

And  sought  it  long,  impelled  by  thirst  of  gain, 

Yet  found  it  not,  but  met  with  countless  foes. 

And  gave,  and  took,  a  hurricane  of  blows 

Ere  he,  with  spoils,  and  captives,  journeyed  back 

To  find  Darien  threatened  with  attack. 

A  secret  plot,  the  native  hosts  had  formed. 

Darien  they  determined  should  be  stormed. 

'T  was  then  that  Vasco's  lovely  Indian  bride 

Proved  unto  him,  and  his,  a  faithful  guide. 

For  from  her  brother's  tongue  the  plot  she  gleaned, 

And,  this  divulging,  Vasco  Nunez  screened. 

The  plot  was  foiled,  and  all  its  leaders  slain, 

And  still  triumphant  o'er  the  land  was  Spain : 

But  factious  discontents  again  arose. 

And  from  the  camp  was  banished  all  repose. 

While  hunger  pressed,  and  no  relief  appeared. 

Valdivia's  loss,  or  treachery,  was  feared. 

At  length  two  caravels  from  Hayti  came, 

And  fanned,  with  succor,  Hope's  expiring  flame. 

While  they  to  Vasco  Nunez  tidings  brought, 


44  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  FA  CIFIC. 

Which  in  his  mind  a  revolution  wrought ; 
But  of  Valdivia's  fortunes  naught  was  known, 
Nor  he  the  island  reached,  to  claim  his  own. 

Enciso's  tale  had  reached  the  Sovereign's  ear, 

And  Vasco  Nunez  learned  he'd  much  to  fear. 

His  hopes,  and  fortunes,  seemed  already  crushed, 

And  with  chagrin  and  rage  his  features  flushed. 

One  chance  remained — to  find  the  Southern  Sea, 

And  let  the  world  his  grand  achievement  see — 

Before  the  royal  mandate  reached  the  land 

To  rob  him — and  for  ever — of  command. 

Such  great  success  would  surely  favor  win, 

For  crimes  atone,  and  cover  ev'ry  sin. 

A  thousand  men  were  needed,  it  was  true. 

And  to  his  standard  he  could  call  but  few ; 

Yet  fame,  and  fortune — life  itself,  perchance — 

Hinged  on  that  enterprise — that  single  chance. 

The  ships  had  brought  recruits  to  swell  the  throng, 

From  which  he  picked  the  resolute,  and  strong. 

And  then  with  scarce  two  hundred  in  his  train — 

And  bloodhounds,  each  submissive  to  a  chain — 

He  led  the  way,  a  splendid  realm  to  gain, 

With  friendly  natives  bringing  up  the  rear. 

He  knew  his  danger,  though  he  felt  no  fear. 

A  brigantine,  and  nine  canoes,  in  line. 

Receded,  from  Darien,  o'er  the  brine,* 

And  reached,  in  safety,  Coyba's  welcome  shore. 

Where  gold,  and  pearls,  the  chief — Careeta — wore. 

He  met  his  daughter — Vasco^s  beaming  bride — 

As  one  who  felt  a  father's  loving  pride. 

And  gave  to  Vasco  Nunez  greeting,  kind. 

And  precious  gifts,  their  friendship  more  to  bind  ; 

*  Vasco    Nunez    embarked,  with    190     Spaniards   and   a 
number  of  Indians,  September  i,  1513. 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  4  S 

And  there  the  Spaniard  left  his  fleet  behind — 
With  half  his  force  to  guard  it  where  it  lay — 
And  toward  the  mountains,  then,  pursued  his  way : 
But  ere  he  left  the  coast  he  knelt  in  prayer, 
And  Mass  was  said  to  all  who  gathered  there. 
With  armor,  and  with  weapons,  loaded  down, 
The    Spaniards  journeyed   toward   the   mountains' 

crown. 
Through  forests  dense,  and  passes  deep,  and  wild, 
The  valiant  band  intrepidly  defiled, 
And  bravely  toiled  up  precipices  steep, 
And,  here  and  there  were  fissures  forced  to  leap. 
With  splendid  fervor  shone  the  tropic  sun, 
Whose  scorching  rays  the  toilers  sought  to  shun, 
And  numbers  sank  exhausted  by  the  way  : 
But  not  for  these  would  Vasco  brook  delay. 
He  bade  them  back  to  Coyba  slowly  go, 
While  he  advanced,  and  left  them  far  below. 
At  length  a  warlike  host  appeared  in  view, 
And  yelled,  and  menaced,  as  they  near  him  drew : 
Then — armed   with   bows,   and  arrows,  clubs,  and 

spears. 
And  with  no  outward  sign  of  inward  fears — 
They  on  the  Spanish  band,  with  fury,  rushed. 
And,  for  a  moment,  deemed  the  strangers  crushed ; 
But  when  they  heard  the  arquebuses  roar, 
And  saw  their    comrades     slain,  or    flecked    with 

gore 
They  felt  they  fought  with  demons,  thunder-armed, 
Whose  lives  against  assailing  foes  were  charmed. 
And  in  dismay — pursued — away  they  fled. 
And  left  behind  them  full  six  hundred  dead, 
Their  chieftain  Quaraquah  among  the  slain. 
O'er  all  the  fleeing.  Terror  held  its  reign. 
The  bloodhounds  tore  their  victims  with  their  fangs, 
Who  perished  in  excruciating  pangs. 


46  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

While   swordsmen,  with   their   weapons,   hundreds 

slew. 
And  lancers  pierced  unnumbered  bodies  through. 
A  group  of  chieftains — clad  in  robes  of  white — 
Ere  long  were  overtaken  in  their  flight, 
And  by  the  dogs  of  war  to  pieces  torn, 
With  none  around,  their  hapless  lot  to  mourn. 
The  victors  from  the  vanquished  gathered  spoil. 
And  then  renewed  their  journey,  and  their  toil, 
Save  those  who — sick,  or  wounded — helpless  lay, 
Or  fell  to  hunger,  and  fatigue,  a  prey. 
But  sixty-eight  remained  of  all  the  band 
To  scale  the  heights,  and  view  the  ocean  strand. 
Emerging  from  the  forest,  with  their  guides, 
They  climbed  the  naked  mountain's  rocky  sides, 
And,  in  the  pure,  and  balmy,  morning  air. 
Beheld  the  summit  near  them,  gray,  and  bare. 
"  Halt ! "  was  the  cry  of  Vasco  Nunez  then. 
And  not  a  step  beyond  advanced  his  men  : 
But  he  kept  on  with  palpitating  heart — 
Resolved  to  play  alone  his  mighty  part — 
And  from  the  mountain-top  the  prospect  eyed — 
A  scene  that  white  man  ne'er  before  descried. 
With  rugged  mountains,  and  savannas  green. 
And  forests  dense,  and  wand'ring  streams  between, 
There,  far  below,  the  promised  ocean  lay — 
A  mirror  shining  in  the  beams  of  day,* 
Extending  far  as  human  eye  could  reach 
From  where  he  stood  above  the  rocky  beach. 
In  gratitude,  and  rapture,  Vasco  knelt, 
And  strove,  in  prayer,  to  picture  all  he  felt. 
And  uttered  thanks,  impassioned,  and  sincere. 
To  Him  whose  guiding  hand  had  led  him  here. 


*  This  was  on  September  26,  T513,  twenty  days  after  the 
departure  from  Careeta. 


THE  DISCO  VER  V  OF  THE  PA  CIFTC.  47 

Then,  calling  on  his  comrades  to  ascend, 

Before  the  Throne  of  Grace  he  bade  them  bend. 

"  Behold  !  "  said  he,  "  this  grand,  and  glorious  sight 

That  fills  me  with  unspeakaJDle  delight ! 

Let  us  to  God  our  thanks,  devoutly,  give. 

And  pray  that  we  to  conquer  all  may  live — 

'J  he  world  so  new  that  here  before  us  lies. 

And  ne'er  till  now  was  seen  by  Christian  eyes! 

Let  us  this  heathen  realm  evangelize. 

Nor  ever  shrink  from  holy  enterprise. 

But  preach  the  gospel  wheresoe'er  we  wend ; 

And  to  His  glory  may  our  actions  tend ! 

To  me — my  comrades  ! — be  ye  staunch,  and  true, 

And  wealth  ye'll  reap,  whose  like  ye  never  knew, 

While  great  will  be  your  service  to  the  King — 

So  great  that  poets  of  your  fame  will  sing ! 

Eternal  glory,  too,  on  high,  you'll  gain. 

For  winning  this  barbaric  world  for  Spain, 

And  to  the  Faith  converting  all  within — 

Idolaters  who,  now,  are  steeped  in  sin. 

A  new  career — my  soldiers  ! — we  begin  ! " 

The  Spaniards,  then,  embraced  him  as  their  friend. 

And  vowed  devotion  ne'er,  on  earth,  to  end, 

While  one — a  priest — devoutly  raised  his  voice. 

And  said — "  My  brethren,  let  us  here  rejoice," 

And  chanted  the  Te  Deum  loud,  and  clear. 

Which  made  the  heroes  feel  that  God  was  near: 

And,  kneeling,  all  the  rest,  with  hearts  sincere. 

Took  up  the  sweet,  the  grand — majestic — strain, 

And  tears  of  joy  among  them  fell  like  rain. 

With  pious  fervor  each  the  anthem  sung. 

And  inspiration  seemed  on  ev'ry  tongue ; 

And  ne'er  oblation  purer  rose  on  High, 

Than  from  this  mountain  top,  beneath  the  sky — 

An  altar  thus  so  richly  sanctified. 

The  Spaniards  rose,  and — wond'ring — looked  awide. 


48  THE  DISCO  VER  V  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

Was  this  some  sea  embraced  by  lands  unknown, 

Or  some  vast  ocean,  stretching  zone  to  zone, 

Or  that  which  washed  on  Oriental  shores, 

Where  Marco  Polo  gathered  precious  ores  ? 

Was  //  untraversed  save  by  Indian  arks, 

Or  was  it  swiftly  ploughed  by  splendid  barks, 

Whose  sails  were  spread — like  theirs — to  catch  the 

wind, 
And  were  they  laden  with  the  wealth  of  Ind? 
Was  //  bedecked  with  islands  rich  in  spice, 
And  gems,  and  gold,  and  pearls,  surpassing  price  ? 
What   golden   realms   were   those   of     which    they 

heard, 
And   which    their   breasts  with    strange    emotions 

stirred  ? 
A  thousand  questions  seemed  at  once  to  rise, 
To  which  Imagination  gave  replies  ; 
And  in  conjecture  all  were  lost  who  gazed. 
The  revelation  held  them  rapt,  amazed. 
Then  from  a  stately  tree  a  cross  was  wrought, 
And  to  the  spot  by  zealous  toilers  brought, 
And  when  uplifted,  there  a  shadow  threw — 
The  symbol  of  the  faith,  divine,  and  true, 
And  of  the  Saviour's  blood  on  Calv'ry  spilt. 
A  monument  of  stones  was  round  it  built, 
And  on  the  tree  was  carved  the  Sovereign's  name — 
The  outward  mark  of  Spain's  indubious  claim — 
While  Vasco  Nunez  said — "I  now  proclaim 
This  ocean,  and  its  realms,  belong  to  Spain, 
And  may  its  monarchs  o'er  it  ever  reign  ! " 
The  great  Pacific  Ocean  thus  was  found. 
And  Vasco  Nunez  felt  himself  renowned. 

He,  with  his  band,  descended,  now,  the  slope, — 
Each  one  elated — buoyant,  ga}^ — with  hope, — 
And  toward  the  ocean  boldly  led  them  on  ; 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  49 

But  ere  he'd  far  on  this  his  journey  gone, 
A  native  host  appeared  in  \varlil<e  guise, 
And  warned  him  baclc  with  loud,  defiant  cries. 
In  Indian  terror  Spanish  safety  lay, 
And  Vasco  Nunez  opened,  then,  the  fray, 
And  filled  the  savage  mind  with  wild  dismay. 
The.  arquebuse's  flash,  and  deaf'ning  sound. 
And  the  impatient  bloodhound's  fatal  bound. 
Spread  consternation  through  the  naked  throng — 
The  victims  of  Invasion's  blighting  wrong — 
Who  through  the  forest  fled  to  shun  their  foes. 
To  them,  forever,  lost  their  old  repose  : 
But  Peace,  ere  long,  o'er  brutal  War  prevailed. 
And  Cheeps,  the  chieftain,  Spanish  guests  regaled, 
And  calabashes  brouglit  them,  filled  with  gold. 
Which  gladdened  Vasco  Nunez  to  behold; 
Who,  in  return,  gave  mirrors,  beads  and  bells. 
Which  charmed  the  unadorned  barbaric  belles, 
And  made  the  chieftain  feel  unwonted  pride. 
While  all  his  people,  too,  for  baubles  sighed. 
Those  left  behind  where  Quaraquah  was  slain 
Were  ordered  on,  their  comrades  to  regain. 
While  scouts  were  sent  by  Vasco  to  explore 
The  shortest  way  to  reach  the  sea-beat  shore. 
Alonzo  Martin  reached  it  ere  the  rest. 
And  there  embarked  on  ocean's  tranquil  breast, 
And  said — "  The  first  of  Spaniards  here  am  I ! 
Such  glory  reconciles  a  man  to  die !  " 
Then  Vasco  Nunez  with  a  chosen  few — 
A  band  of  twenty-six,  well  armed,  and  true — 
Advanced  until  he  gained  the  ocean's  verge  * 
And  heard,  in  whisp'ring  tones,  its  sullen  dirge. 
He  knelt  beneath  a  tufted  palm-tree  there, 

*  He  left  the  village  of  Cheeps,  or  Chiapes,  on  the  29th  of 
September,  and  reached  the  ocean  on  St.  Michael's  day,  and 
called  the  spot  St.  Michael's  Bay. 


so  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

And  thanked  the  Holy  Trinity  in  prayer. 
The  rising  tide  to  meet  him  seemed  to  run, 
And  shone  Hke  moUen  metal  in  the  sun  ; 
And  when  it  reached  his  feet,  he  cried  aloud — 
"  Of  this  achievement  I  am  truly  proud !  " 
And,  with  the  Virgin's  banner  in  his  hand, 
He  rose,  and  left  his  comrades  on  the  strand, 
Unsheathed  his  sword,  and  wading  to  his  knees, 
Said — "  Mark  !  I  take  possession  of  the  seas. 
And  all  the  coasts,  and  isles,  they'll  yet  reveal. 
For  Arragon,  and  Leon,  and  Castile — 
For  Ferdinand,  Juana,  and  the  Crown  I 
Long  live  the  King,  and  Queen,  of  great  renown  ! 
This  gulf  I  name,  as  't  is  St.  Michael's  day — 
In  honor  of  the  saint — St.  Michael's  Bay. 
Spain  here — henceforth — shall  hold  eternal  sway, 
And,  while  the  world  endures,  let  all  obey  !  " 
Those  on  the  shore  responded  with  applause. 
And  vowed,  as  Spaniards,  to  defend  her  cause  : 
Then  tasting  of  the  waters,  rising  near, 
"  Each  drop,"  said  they,  "  doth  savor  of  a  tear. 
We  taste  the  ocean  in  the  sparkling  brine. 
The  hand  that  led  us  is  the  hand  Divine. 
Thank  God  once  more,  to  whom  the  glory  be, 
For  guiding  Christians  to  this  mighty  sea  !  " 
Then  crosses  on  the  trees  they  carved  with  care; 
And  Vasco  Nunez  knelt  again  in  prayer, 
For  Chivalry,  and  Faith  went  hand  in  hand — 
The  Sword,  and  Cross — among  the  daring  band. 
Whose  minds  were  tinged  with  superstitious  hues, 
And  prone  to  conjure  too  romantic  views. 


HL 

The  Spanish  chief  the  country  round  explored, 
Inspiring  terror  of  the  Christian's  sword, 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  5 1 

And  adding  daily  to  his  golden  hoard, 

Wiiile  natives  told  him  tales  of  old  Peru, 

And  fired  his  ardor  for  adventures  new. 

At  length  he  said — "  I'll  venture  on  the  deep, 

And  gold,  and  pearls,  in  other  regions  reap," 

Tiiough  warned  the  stormy  season  had  begun, 

And  of  the  risk  canoes  at  sea  would  run. 

With  sixty  men,  and  nine  equipped  canoes. 

And  stalwart  braves  to  constitute  his  crews. 

He  started  on  his  enterprising  cruise. 

Across  the  bay  the  small  armada  steered, 

But  those  on  board  ere  long  the  danger  feared, 

For  winds  blew  high,  and  waves  tumultuous  rolled. 

And  quicker  beat  the  hearts  of  e'en  the  bold  : 

But  ere  the  night  they  reached  an  islet's  beach, 

And  said — "  Once  more  for  help  we  God  beseech  !  " 

They  sank  to  rest,  but  ere  they'd  slumbered  long 

The  winds,  and  ocean,  sang  a  wilder  song. 

The  waters  foamed,  and  rose  by  swift  degrees, 

And  breakers  rushed,  and  roared,  and   lashed   the 

trees, 
And  one  by  one  their  topmost  boughs  submerged. 
The  night  was  dark ;  the  skiffs  were  fast  below, 
With  billows  o'er  them  dancing  to  and  fro. 
The  ocean  round  the  islet  wildly  surged. 
And,  fleetly,  foot  by  foot  it  smaller  grew 
Until  at  last  it  vanished  from  the  view  ; 
Yet  still  the  waters  round  the  Spaniards  rose — 
Who  felt  despairing,  agonizing  throes — 
And   reached  their  girdles  where  they,  trembling, 

stood. 
The  breakers  seemed  to  clamor  for  their  blood. 
And  sounds  appalling  drifted  o'er  the  flood. 
"  To  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  I  cry — 
And  to  the  Holy  Virgin — ere  I  die," 
Said  Vasco  Nufiez: — "  Let  their  will  be  done. 


52  THE  DISCO  VER  V  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

But  still  I  trust  my  course  has  not  been  run, 
And  that  I'll  live  to  see  another  sun." 
Just  then  the  moon  above  the  waters  shone, 
A  welcome  sovereign  on  her  silver  throne — 
And  less  terrific  grew  the  winds  and  waves. 
"  Behold,  His  children  thus  Jehovah  saves  !  " 
The  Spanish  chieftain  cried  to  those  around  : — 
"  In  realms  above  each  Christian  here  is  crowned !" 
The  waters  slowly  ebbed,  and  land  was  seen. 
Touched  by  the  Queen  of  Night  with  mellow  sheen; 
And  all  rejoiced  where  all  had  mourned  before, 
Their  awful  peril  from  submersion  o'er. 
When  on  their  Ararat  had  dawned  the  day 
They  found  their  food  and  clothing  washed  away, 
With  all  that,  erst,  in  their  flotilla  lay. 
And  shattered  wrecks  alone  of  this  remained. 
The  spectacle  the  Spaniards  deeply  pained. 
They — faint,  and  weary — gazed  in  mute  despair. 
But  each  for  safety  spoke,  at  heart,  a  prayer. 
Then  Vasco  Nunez  said — "  We'll  these  repair," 
And    with     their   girdles   some    were    braced,    and 

bound. 
But  few  canoes  that  still  could  float  were  found. 
And   some   in     splintered   fragments    strewed    the 

ground. 
The  cracks,  and  holes,  were  caulked  with  pounded 

weeds. 
And  covered,  here  and  there  with  riven  reeds ; 
And  all  embarked  in  these  surviving  arks — 
Four  fragile,  crippled,  overladen  barks — 
Which  on  the  bounding  waters  rose  and  fell, 
And  trembled  in  the  vortex  of  the  swell. 
Sunk  almost  to  the  foaming  verge  were  they 
And  those  within  were  dashed  with  flying  spray, 
While  ev'ry  yawning  gulf  between  the  waves 
Suggested  to  the  gazers  wat'ry  graves. 


THE  DISCO  VER  V  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC  53 

* 
All  day  they  toiled,  both  hungered  and  athirst, 
And  some  in  silence,  Vasco  Nunez  cursed ; 
But  as  the  sun  forsook  the  western  sky, 
They  reached  the  land,  and  gave  a  joyful  cry. 
'T  was  midnight  ere  they  gained  the  Indian  town,     J 
Where   Vasco    Nunez    preached    the    Cross    and 

Crown, 
But  unsubmissive  found  the  native  host. 
Who  warned  him,  through  his  guides,  to  leave  the 

coast ; 
Whereon  he  let  the  raging  bloodhounds  loose, 
And  fired  his  arms  till  all  had  cried  a  truce, 
When  he  his  booty  found  in  gold  and  pearls, 
And  beauty  saw,  in  all  the  native  girls. 
While  in  abundance  fruits,  and  homely  fare. 
Were  garnered  in  the  habitations  there. 
The  morning  proved  the  land  divinely  fair. 
There  plantains,  and  bananas,  clustered,  grew, 
And  sweet  ananas  showed  their  golden  hue, 
And  pear-like  cherimoyas  pendant  hung. 
And  cocoanuts  were  nestling  in  the  trees. 
And  yellow  maize  was  waving  in  the  breeze, 
And  pomegranates  seemed  to  blush  within. 
Perchance  't  was  such  that  tempted  Eve  to  sin. 
A  wilderness  of  fruit  and  bloom  was  here, 
And  harvest-time  for  man  was  all  the  year. 
But  now,  behold  !  the  Red  Man's  doom  was  near. 

IV. 

The  Spanish  leader  sent  his  Indian  guides 
To  seek  the  chief  along  the  mountain  sides, 
And  him — Tummakko — there,  at  length,  they  found. 
And  begged  he'd  meet  the  Spaniards,  so  renowned. 
Who  served  their  friends,  but  punished  all  their  foes. 
He,  with  them,  sent  his  son  to  peace  propose, 


54  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

And  when  with  gifts  the  young  cazique  returned, 
No  more  with  wrath  the  injured  father  burned. 
Thus  friendly  actions  Iiatred  soon  dispelled, 
And  Indians  in  the  Spaniards  gods  beheld. 
The  chieftain  added  largely  to  their  spoil, 
While  they  in  pleasure  found  relief  from  toil. 
Two  hundred  pearls  he  gave  them,  great  in  size. 
Which  kindled  signs  of  rapture  in  their  eyes, 
And  then  he  told  them  where  he  gathered  these — • 
The  precious  jewels  fashioned  by  the  seas. 
Five  leagues  away  the  pearly  islands  lay. 
And  he  dispatched  his  divers  there  for  more. 
And  with  them  journeyed  Spaniards,  to  explore. 
"  Beyond  them,  further  south,"   said  he,  "  there  lies 
A  country  that  invites  your  enterprise. 
Where  gold  abounds,  and  lamas  burdens  bear. 
Great  houses,  built  of  stone  and  brick  are  there  ; 
And  garments  you  may  see  the  people  wear  ; 
While  o'er  the  realm  a  mighty  monarch  reigns, 
And  all  is  done  that  he — the  chief — ordains." 
Thus  of  Peru  again  Don  Vasco  heard. 
And  glowing  thoughts,  once  more,  his  bosom  stirred. 
The  chieftain  traced,  with  inartistic  hand. 
The  outline  of  a  lama  in  the  sand. 
"  A  camel !  "  cried  Balboa.     "  'T  is  the  East, 
For  only  there  is  found  that  noble  beast. 
How  much  I  long  this  ocean  to  explore. 
But  I  must  first  return,  the  mountains  o'er, 
And  gather  strength  to  conquer  as  I  go, 
For  Kubla  Khan  may  prove  himself  a  foe.* 
Behold,  my  comrades,  what  Columbus  sought ! 
Who  knows  with  what  this  great  event  is  fraught  "i  " 

To  him  Tum-mak-ko  gave  a  vast  canoe. 
Hewn  from  the  tallest  tree,  the  country  grew, 
And  manned  by  Indians,  o'er  a  hundred  strong. 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  5  5 

A  hundred  feet,  and  ten,  the  craft  was  long, 
And  all  its  paddles  were  with  pearls  inlaid, 
While  in  its  centre  rose  a  roof  for  shade. 
In  this  the  Spanish  leader  left  the  shore, 
Beyond  the  bay,  the  seaboard  to  explore,* 
And  landing  there  again,  with  sword  in  hand, 
He  cried — "  I  take  possession  of  the  land  !  " 
And  wading  deep — his  banner  o'er  him  raised — 
Said — "  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost  be  praised  !  " 
The  pencilled  forms  of  islands  met  his  view 
Against  the  mighty  vault  of  heavenly  blue — 
The  Isles  of  Pearl  that  later  famous  grew — f 
And  with  a  wistful  eye  he  scanned  them  o'er, 
Athirst  to  glean  the  harvest,  rich,  they  bore  ; 
But  he  was  wisely  warned  not  there  to  go 
When  winds  were  prone  in  sudden  gusts  to  blow, 
And — prudence-led — refused  to  venture  far, 
For  he  was  born  beneath  an  evil  star, 
And  deemed  it  rash,  too  much  to  test  his  fate. 
Still  later  he  Tum-mak-ko  bade  adieu, t 
And  steered  to  Tee-o-kan  his  great  canoe. 
Where  he,  the  chieftain  captured,  and  despoiled. 
And,    tlien,    for   gold,    and   pearls — his    plunder — 

toiled, — 
And  deemed  his  duty  to  his  country  done, — 
Yet  o'er  to  friendship,  soon,  the  savage  won; 
For  something  in  his  courtly  manner  charmed. 
And  enmity  in  native  breasts  disarmed. 
He,  now,  prepared  to  leave  this  Southern  Sea, 
But,  ere  he  journeyed,  bent,  in  prayer,  the  knee. 
And  asked  protection  from  the  Holy  Three. 

*  This  was  on  the  29th  of  October,  1513. 

t  Vasco  Nufiez  named  the  group  the  Pearl  Islands,  and  tlie 
central  and  largest  one  of  the  number  Isla  Rica. 

%  He  left  on  the  3d  of  November,  1513,  for  the  province  of 
the  Cazique  Tee-o-kan,  or  Teaochan. 


56  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

His  course  across  the  mountains,  backward,  lay, 

And  up  the  steep  ascent  he  led  the  way, 

With  all  his  band,  and  friendly  native  guides  : 

But  as  they  climbed  the  Cordilleras'  sides 

They  searched  for  water,  day  by  day,  in  vain, 

And  vainly,  too,  devoutly  prayed  for  rain. 

The  burning  sun  above  them  brightly  shone  ; 

And  tortures  made  the  panting  toilers  groan ; 

While  many  sank  exhausted  to  the  ground ; 

And  by  their  thirst  all  former  ills  were  crowned. 

At  length  they  found  a  fountain  in  a  glen, 

And  felt  a  joy  unpictured  e'er  by  pen. 

The  chieftain  here  was  Poncar,  rich  in  gold — 

Of  whose  great  wealth  they  long  before  were  told — 

And  to  the  village,  where  his  wigwam  rose. 

The  Spaniards  hurried,  heedless  of  repose  : 

But  he  had  fled,  distrustful  of  his  foes. 

Though,  in  abundance,  gold  he  left  behind — 

Three  thousand  crowns  of  precious  shining  ore — 

Which  only  served  to  make  them  long  for  more  ; 

And  so  they  sent  their  guides  to  bring  him  back-r 

To  coax,  and  soothe,  or  threaten  with  attack — 

And  Poncar  came,  with  three  exalted  braves. 

The    Spaniards    said — "Your   flight  has   made  you 

slaves ! 
Reveal  your  mines,  or  perish  where  you  stand  !  " 
They  told  whate'er  they  knew  of  this  their  land, 
But  those  who  questioned,  doubted  as  they  spoke, 
And  into  angry  speech  before  them  broke. 
And  tortured  them  new  riches  to  disclose, 
Then  added  brutal  murder  to  their  woes  ; 
For    they  were   torn   by  bloodhounds   where    they 

stood  ; 
And  Innocence — defenceless — shed  its  blood. 
Foul  be  this  blot  on  daring  Vasco's  fame  ; 
And  vet  he  did  it  in  the  Saviour's  name. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  $7 


Where  Poncar  died  they  tarried  thirty  days, 
And  chanted  morn,  and  eve,  Jehovah's  praise, 
And  met  the  comrades  they  had  left  behind — 
To  whom  they  found  that  Fortune  had  been  kind— r 
And  gathered  gold  where'er  it  met  their  sight, 
And  wooed  the  native  maidens  with  delight. 
Then,  through  Comagre,  by  its  river,  wild, 
O'er  rugged  mountains,  slowly,  they  defiled  ; 
And  precipices  climbed  that  crossed  their  course. 
And  heard  the  condor's  cry — above  them — hoarse; 
And  into  deep,  umbrageous  valleys  passed, 
While  Famine  forced  them  long,  at  times,  to  fast ; 
And  those — the  natives — who  their  burdens  bore, 
In  numbers  sank,  alas  !  to  rise  no  more. 
At  length,  they  reached  a  village,  and  supplies. 
And  raised,  in  prayer,  to  God  their  grateful  e3'es. 
Though  prone  to  sin  their  faith  was  deep  and  strong, 
And  faith  they  thought  atoned  for  ev'ry  wrong ; 
And   by  the    sword   they  deemed   they  served   the 

Cross  ; 
And  saw  salvation  in  their  golden  dross. 
By  bigotry,  and  superstition  swayed. 
The  Spaniards  sinned,  and  then  for  pardon  prayed, 
And  for  their  crimes  implored  Almighty  aid. 

VI. 

They  now  advanced  to  meet  a  great  cazique. 
Whose   name   the    guides   with   terror    seemed    to 

speak — 
Tu-ban-a-ma,  whose  deeds  had  won  renown — 
And  forced  a  march  upon  his  mountam  town. 
With  sixty  men — the  strongest  of  his  band — 


58  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

Balboa  swiftly  reached  the  chieftain's  land, 

And  stealthily,  and  suddenly,  by  night — 

When  he,  and  his,  were  unprepared  for  fight — 

Descended  on  his  primitive  abode. 

And  blood  from  unoffending  bodies  flowed. 

The  chieftain,  and  his  household  gathered  there, 

Were  captured,  as  if  led  into  a  snare, 

And  he — astounded — groaned  in  wild  despair. 

To  learn  the  secret  of  his  golden  store 

Balboa  told  him  he  should  rule  no  more. 

And  gave  the  order — "  Tie  him  hand,  and  foot. 

And  give  him  to  the  dogs  before  his  hut ! " 

And  anger  with  the  trembling  savage  feigned. 

Who  asked  the  charge  on  which  he  stood  arraigned. 

"  Take  all  my  gold,  and  bid  me  find  you  more. 

But  spare  my  life — great  swordsman — I  implore  !  " 

In  touching  accents,  spoke  the  mountain  chief. 

While  all  his  wives,  and  people,  shared  his  grief. 

Don  Vasco,  yielding,  said — "  Your  life  I  spare  ! 

Now  let  your  braves  your  ransom  hither  bear ! " 

Three    thousand   crowns   in   gold,    at    dawn,    they 

brought — 
Ore  into  forms  artistic  rudely  wrought — 
And — later — yet  three  thousand  crowns  beside. 
The  Spaniards  with  delight  the  treasure  eyed. 
And,  Vasco  Nunez  set  the  chieftain  free. 
"  This   much,"    said   he,    "  he   well  deserves   from 

me!  " 

Ere  long  the  way-worn  band  the  march  resumed. 
But  some  to  death  by  fell  disease  were  doomed, 
And  health  no  more  in  Vasco's  features  bloomed, 
For  Fever's  burning  hand  had  touched  his  brow, 
And  to  the  tyrant  he  was  forced  to  bow  ; 
But,  quickly,  he  regained  his  wonted  air. 
And  in  the  toilsome  journey  bore  his  share. 


THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC.  59 

The  sick,  in  hammocks,  followed  in  the  rear. 
And  these  he  strove  to  comfort,  and  to  cheer, 
While  down  the  rugged  slope  he  led  the  way, 
And  longed  once  more  to  sight  Darien's  bay. 
The  broad  Atlantic  glittered  far  below 
As  on  they  marched  with  weary  steps,  and  slow, 
But  in  the  end  they  reached  the  northern  shore. 
With  all  their  pearls,  and  all  their  golden  ore. 
And  haggard  faces  looks  of  pleasure  wore. 
They  through  Comagre  passed  to  Coyba's  coast. 
And  met  Careeta,  and  his  friendly  host. 
And  told  their  story  grand  to  comrades  there, 
Who  longed  their  glory,  and  their  gold,  to  share. 
The  brigantine  lay  waiting  on  the  strand, 
And  Vasco,  there  embarking,  left  the  land. 
And  reached  Darien  ere  the  morrow's  eve,* 
Where   some   the    wondrous  tale  could  scarce  be- 
lieve : 
But  when  they  saw  the  wealth  of  pearls,  and  gold. 
No  more  they  doubted  aught  their  comrades  told. 
"The  ocean  that  Columbus  sought  I've  found," 
Don     Vasco     cried — "  Success    the     search     has 

crowned  ! 
The  riches  of  the  Orient  are  ours, 
And  we,  ere  long,  shall  gaze  upon  its  towers. 
And  gather  spoil  in  Mangi,  and  Catha}^ 
And  o'er  the  East  extend  the  Christian's  sway  ; 
For,  soon,  again  I'll  seek  the  other  shore, 
And  far  and  wide  that  Southern  Sea  explore  ! " 

VII. 

Don  Vasco  wrote  the  tidings  to  the  Crown, 
And  felt  he'd  won  the  laurels  of  renown, 

*The  19th  of  January,  1514. 


6o  l^HE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

And  to  his  monarch's  favor  paved  the  way. 
Before  him,  now,  a  world  of  promise  lay. 
He  sent  the  royal  fifth,  and  more,  to  Spain, 
And  waited  for  rewards  he  hoped  to  gain. 
His  caravel,  howe'er,  was  slow  to  sail. 
And — later  on — was  crippled  by  a  gale. 
So  ere  the  gold,  and  tidings,  reached  the  Court, 
Enciso  there  had  made  an  ill  report, 
For  with  his  wrongs  his  nature  bubbled  o'er. 
And  hate  he,  toward  his  rival,  Vasco,  bore. 
Who  governed  but,  said  he,  by  force,  and  fraud, 
And  who  had  been  in  Hayti's  isle  outlawed. 
"  Another  I  will  send  to  rule  the  land. 
And  supersede  Balboa  in  command," 
Exclaimed  the  King,  and  Davila*  he  chose 
To  journey  west,  Don  Vasco  to  depose. 
And  strip  him  of  the  honors  that  he  claimed. 
A  soldier,  for  his  martial  prowess  famed. 
This  Davila — Pedrarias — was  brave. 
And  yet,  at  heart,  a  tyrant,  and  a  knave. 
Zamudio — Don  Vasco's  friend — in  vain 
For  him — Balboa — favor  strove  to  gain. 
Though  he  had  with  Enciso  bade  him  sail 
To  counteract  at  Court  his  evil  tale. 

'T  was  then  that  Colmenaris  home  returned. 
From  whom  the  monarch  cheering  tidings  learned — 
The  secret  of  the  mighty  Southern  Sea. 
"A  thousand  men,"  wrote  Vasco,  "  send  to  me. 
That  I  may  cross  the  mountain  range  between. 
And  conquer  that  which  Christian  ne'er  hath  seen." 
Ambition,  av'rice  moved  the  monarch's  breast. 
"  A  fleet,"  said  he,  "  shall  voyage  to  the  West, 
With  Davila — the  gallant — in  command  ;  " 

*  Don  Pedro  Arias  Davila,  commonly  called  Pedrarias. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  6i 

And  fifteen  ships,  and  caravels,  ere  long, —  * 

Manned  by  chivalrous  souls — two  thousand  strong — 

Sailed  down  the  Guadalquivir,  westward  bound, 

To  seek  the  sea  Don  Vasco  erst  had  found. 

A  little  later  Vasco's  caravel — 

That  came  his  story  of  success  to  tell — 

Was  borne  upon  the  Guadalquivir's  swell. 

Her  captain — Arbolanchaf — sought  the  King, 

And  said — "  O  Sire  !  to  you  I  treasures  bring. 

And  tidings  of  a  sea  before  unknown, 

And  regions  that  with  gold,  and  pearls  are  sown — 

All  which  are  now  beneath  your  righteous  sway. 

That  sea,  methinks,  doth  lead  to  rich  Cathay. 

Don  Vasco  Nunez  't  was  who  gained  the  prize — 

The  splendid  fruit  of  noble  enterprise — 

And  he  is  eager  still  for  conquests,  new, 

And  fain  would  reach  an  empire  called  Peru, 

Where  cities  rise  in  grandeur  on  the  view, 

And  ships  with  sails  career  o'er  ocean's  blue, 

And  camels  bear  their  burdens  to  and  fro, 

And  gold  like  vegetation  seems  to  grow. 

He  only  waits  to  swell  his  valiant  band 

Ere  he  returns  to  conquer  all  the  land. 

And  gorgeous  Oriental  shores  explore, 

And  harvests  reap  of  gems,  and  golden  ore." 

The  monarch  heard  the  tale  with  glad  surprise — 

Which  gave  a  diamond  glitter  to  his  eyes — 

And  sore  repented  of  the  deed  he'd  done. 

Don  Vasco  Nunez  great  renown  had  won. 

And  yet  the  fleet  that  westward  ploughed  its  way, 

Ere  long,  would  leave  him  shorn  of  all  his  sway. 


*  This  fleet  sailed  from  San  Lucar  on  the  12th  of  April,  1514. 

t  Pedro  de  Arbolancha,  a  firm  friend  of  Balboa's,  who  had 
been  in  the  expedition  to  the  Pacific. 


62  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

Had  Vasco's  vessel  sooner  come  to  Spain, 
Triumphant  would  have  been  the  hero's  reign — 
So  much  on  little  oftentinie  doth  hinge, 
And  moments,  with  their  stain,  may  ages  tinge. 
Castile  resounded  with  Don  Vasco's  praise, 
And   King,  and  country,  wreathed  his  name  with 
bays. 

VIII. 

In  peaceful  toil  he  passed  his  days  the  while. 

And  made  the  earth  with  blooming  orchards  smile. 

And  fashioned  fields,  and  gardens,  fair  to  view, 

Where  in  abundance  all  he  planted  grew ; 

And  awed,  or  won,  the  natives,  far  and  near, 

Till  sons  of  Spain  from  these  had  naught  to  fear. 

His  band  was,  now,  five  hundred  strong,  and  more, 

And  all  the  look  of  gallant  spirits  bore. 

They  built  a  city  on  Darien's  shore. 

Which  prospered  well  beneath  their  leader's  sway, 

Who  looked  for  coming  ships  from  day  to  day, 

Resolving  there  to  wait  for  news  from  Spain 

Ere  he  rsturned  to  range  the  southern  main. 

At  length,  in  June,  one  splendid  moonlit  night, 

Castile's  armada  slowly  hove  in  sight, 

And  anchored,  from  the  coast,  two  leagues  away. 

Pedrarias  an  envoy  sent  to  land. 

Announcing  his  arrival,  and  command. 

Who  marvelled  at  Don  Vasco's  simple  state — 

One  whose  pretensions  he  had  heard  were  great — 

An  unassuming  man  in  homely  dress, 

But  with  a  courtly  mien,  and  grand  address. 

Don  Vasco  felt  chagrin,  and  some  surprise. 

Yet  none  betrayed  before  the  envoy's  eyes. 

And  answered — "  Tell  the  Don  he's  welcome  here, 

Where  all  the  holy  Cross,  and  Crown,  revere  ; 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  6j 

And  he  will  find  me  willing  to  obey ; 

And  to  his  hands  I,  now,  resign  my  sway." 

But  many  cried — "  Invaders  we'll  repel. 

Against  them  all  't  is  virtue  to  rebel. 

Don  Vasco  rules  :  his  banner  we'll  sustain, 

And  o'er  us  ne'er  this  new  recruit  shall  reign  ! 

Long   live   the    King, — long    live    the    Queen — of 

Spain  !  " 
But  Vasco  said — "  Your  duty  is  to  yield. 
Reserve  your  prowess  for  a  fairer  field  ; " 
And  all  were,  then,  submissive  to  his  will, 
Though  some  exclaimed — "  The  signs,  indeed,  are 

And  felt  their  blood  with  indignation  warm. 
Each  floating  hive  disgorged  its  human  swarm. 
And  o'er  two  thousand  Spaniards  landed  there, 
With  flags,  and  music,  floating  on  the  air. 
While  at  their  head  Pedrarias  was  seen, 
His  wife  beside  him,  gorgeous  as  a  queen. 
And  pomp,  and  splendor  glitt'ring  all  around. 
Balboa  bowed  with  rev'rence  deep,  profound, 
And  said,  '*  I  yield  obedience,  and  love," 
And  wished  him.  countless  blessings  from  above, 
Then  led  him  to  the  wigwam  where  he  dwelt, 
And  Nature's  garden  gifts — abundant — dealt. 

The  new  commander  friendly  feelings  feigned, 
And  from  Don  Vasco  all  his  secrets  gained, 
But  only  then  to  own  himself  a  foe. 
And  strike  a  paltry  tyrant's  cruel  blow. 
He  charged  him  with  Enciso's  overthrow, 
And  Nicuesa's  death,  and  minor  crimes. 
And  vengeance  vowed  in  hatred  sundry  times, 
So  jealous  felt  he  of  his  great  renown. 
With  petty  spite  he  strove  to  beat  him  down, 
And  meant,  in  chains,  to  send  him  back  to  Spain, 


64  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC, 

But  fearing  this  might  prove  the  captive's  gain, 
And  Vasco  be  a  hero  none  the  less, 
In  other  ways  he  labored  to  oppress. 
He  tried  to  colonize  the  southern  coast, 
That  this  might  ne'er  become  his  rival's  boast, 
And  hide,  or  filch,  the  laurels  he  had  won — 
The  glory  of  the  deeds  that  he  had  done  : 
But  Retribution  followed  him  with  speed, 
For  Pestilence  around  him  sowed  its  seed, 
And  nigh  a  thousand  perished  of  his  band. 
While  he  was  stricken,  too,  by  Fever's  hand. 
And  Famine  stalked,  the  while,  throughout  the  land. 
About  the  huts,  and  roads,  in  dire  array — 
A  ghastly  sight — the  dead  un buried  lay. 
Gaunt  Hunger  triumphed  where  disease  had  failed. 
A  carnival  of  death,  and  want,  prevailed. 
He  said,  at  length — "  All  those  who  will  may  flee," 
And  many  sought  a  refuge  on  tlie  sea. 
Some  steered  for  Cuba's  shore  their  caravel, 
And,  homeward-bound,  some    bade    the  West   fare- 
well, 
Of  ruined  health,  and  fortunes,  tales  to  tell. 

IX. 

When  from  his  couch  Pedrarias  arose. 
He  found  his  people  still  oppressed  by  woes. 
And  bade  them  o'er  their  sorrows  cease  to  brood, 
And  range  the  country  far,  and  near,  for  food. 
Else  they  would  perish  in  the  wild  domain. 
The  work  was  done,  nor  proved  the  task  in  vain. 
Then  other  bands  were  sent  in  search  of  gain, 
Who  wheresoe'er  they  wandered  havoc  wrought. 
Nor  gave  to  native  rights  a  single  thought. 
And  marred  the  plans  Don  Vasco  had  designed, 
By  making  hostile  those  who  erst  were  kind. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.         65 


At  length  there  came  a  ship  direct  from  Spain, 

Whose  tidings  filled  Pedrarias  with  pain. 

It  bore  a  note  to  Vasco  from  the  king, 

Which  seemed  his  rival's  heart  with  rage  to  wring. 

The  monarch  praised  him  for  his  daring  deed, 

And  honors,  rank,  and  offices  decreed, 

Which  left  him  nigh  co-equal  with  his  foe.* 

Pedrarias  was  staggered  by  the  blow. 

He  sought,  himself,  the  letter  to  retain, 

And  time,  by  wily  subterfuge,  to  gain, 

But  he  was  foiled  in  this  ignoble  aim  ; 

And,  then,  he  tried  to  further  blast  his  fame. 

And  justify  refusal  to  obey. 

"  'T  would  wrong  the  king,"  said  he,  **  to  yield  him 

sway. 
And  I  should  be  as  nothing  where  I  stand — 
A  ruler  with  but  little  to  command." 
A  compromise,  howe'er,  at  last  was  made 
By  which  he  gave  the  titles,  and  the  grade. 
But  not  the  right  to  govern  in  the  land 
Till  this  was  granted  at  the  tyrant's  hand. 
Don  Vasco  placed  his  trust  in  Time,  and  Right, 
And  prophesied  a  future  grand,  and  bright. 
But  with  his  title,  friends  around  him  came, 
Which  roused  his  foe  to  blacken  more  his  name. 
He  charged  him  with  conspiring  to  rebel — 
Yet  in  substantiation  naught  could  tell — 
And,  seizing  him,  condemned  him  to  a  cage, 
So  great  was  the  suspicious  dastard's  rage. 

*  Balboa  was  appointed  Adelantado  of  the  South  Sea,  and 
governor  of  the  provinces  of  Panama  and  Coyba,  but  subor- 
dinate to  the  general  command  of  Pedrarias,  who  was,  how- 
ever, ordered  to  consult  him  on  all  matters  of  importance. 


66  THE  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  THE  PA  CIFIC. 

From  this,  howe'er,  the  captive  soon  was  freed 
Ere  sentence  had  been  followed  by  the  deed  : 
But  Vasco  Nunez,  persecution-stung, 
Grew  poor  in  purse,  and  felt  at  heart  unstrung. 

XI. 

The  Southern  Sea  Pedrarias  allured. 

And  to  the  Isles  of  Pearl  his  heart  was  moored, 

For  there  he  hoped  unbounded  wealth  to  reap 

In  jewels  formed  and  cradled  in  the  deep. 

Like  Venus,  in  her  beauty,  from  the  foam, 

They  came  perfected  from  their  wat'ry  home. 

Or,  as  Minerva  from  the  brain  of  Jove 

They  left  their  shells — the  ocean's  treasure-trove. 

He  knew  Don  Vasco  best  could  lead  the  way 

To  where  those  isles  of  boundless  riches  lay. 

But  that  would  yet  distinguish  him  the  more. 

And  add  a  chaplet  to  the  bays  he  wore. 

He  bade  Morales — Gaspar — journey  there. 

And  named  Pizarro,  too,  the  task  to  share. 

For  he — Francisco — by  their  shores  had  been — 

An  actor  with  Don  Vasco  on  the  scene. 

With  sixty  daring  spirits,  born  of  Spain, 

They  led  the  van  across  the  mountain  chain. 

And  paddling  from  the  Southern  Ocean's  shore, 

Their  country's  banner,  to  the  islets  bore  : 

And  there  they  shed,  in  battle,  native  gore, 

While  arquebuses  spoke  with  rattling  roar. 

And  loosened  bloodhounds  bayed  in  hot  pursuit, 

And,  Man,  in  terror,  fled  each  angry  brute  : 

But  Peace,  ere  long,  o'er  cruel  War  prevailed. 

And  those  who  erst  were  foes  as  friends  were  hailed. 

"  A  wealth  of  pearls,  but  little  gold  have  I," 

The  chieftain  said,  with  candor  in  his  eye  ; 

^'  But  yonder  lies  a  region  where  it  grows, 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC,  67 

And  gilds  the  course  of  ev'ry  stream  that  flows, 
And  glitters  in  each  river's  sandy  mouth," 
And  as  he  spoke  he  pointed  toward  the  south — 
Along  the  line  of  mountains  tall,  and  grand, 
That  stretched,  till  lost  to  view,  beside  the  strand. 
Pizarro  heard  the  story,  old,  anew, 
And  saw  with  mental  eyes  the  land  Peru, 
And  o'er  its  marvels  nigh  ecstatic  grew. 
For  wealth,  and  fame,  resolving  there  to  sue. 

The      Spanish     throng — triumphant — gleaned     the 

spoils. 
And  deemed  themselves  repaid  for  all  their  toils, 
Exclaiming — "  Fortune's  favored  ones  are  we  !  '* 
Well  freighted  with  the  jewels  of  the  sea 
They  left  the  isles,  again  to  cross  the  chain. 
And  tell  how  great  had  been  their  country's  gain: 
But  hard  indeed  they  found  their  journey  back, 
And  fierce  the  Indian  warriors  in  attack. 
Biru — a  great  cazique — assailed  the  band, 
And  forced  them,  in  dismay,  to  flee  the  land, 
And,  as  they  fled,  pursued  them  day  by  day ; 
Then  other  hosts  of  Indians  gave  them  fight, 
And  added  to  the  horrors  of  their  flight. 
And  to  the  awful  perils  of  their  plight. 
A  number  perished  in  the  bitter  strife, 
And  thirst,  and  famine,  in  their  midst  were  rife. 
Back  to  the  Southern  Sea  their  wand'rings  led. 
Where  in  canoes  from  seeming  death  they  sped 
To  climb  again  the  Cordilleras'  slope; 
But  fresh  reverses  nigh  extinguished  hope. 
Their  journey  proved  a  long-continued  fray. 
At  length  the  remnant  reached  Darien's  Bay, 
And  spread  their  pearls  before  astonished  eyes, 
While  all  forgot  their  perils  in  their  prize. 


68  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC, 


XII. 

Pedrarias,  the  while,  the  land  explored, 

And  tried  to  rule  by  terror,  and  the  sword. 

He  made  the  natives,  far  and  near,  his  foes, 

And  banished  from  the  settlement  repose. 

The  Spaniards  felt  by  day,  and  night,  alarm, 

So  much  the  signs  around  them  boded  harm. 

They  watched  the  plains,  the  mountains,  and  the 

sea. 
And  danger  seemed,  where'er  they  gazed,  to  see. 
The  green  savannas  waving  in  the  breeze. 
The  silver  streams,  and  patriarchal  trees, 
For  lurking  foes,  by  anxious  eyes,  were  scanned. 
And  oft,  in  prayer  for  safety,  knelt  the  band. 

XIII. 

While  thus  with  cares  Pedrarias  was  vexed, 
And  by  his  feud  with  Vasco  much  perplexed. 
The  Fadre — yea,  the  Bishop — of  the  fold 
His  plan  for  peace  to  him — the  leader — told. 
"  Why  quarrel  thus,"  said  he,  "  with  one  so  bold, 
And  make  a  foe  when  you  might  win  a  friend — 
One  who  could  either  punish,  or  defend. 
And  serve  you  well,  or  work  you  grievous  ill  ? 
The  bitter  cup  for  him  why  further  fill. 
And  strengthen  more  your  people's  evil  will  ? 
One  course  remains  to  blot  the  past  from  view, 
And  this,  I  pray,  with  willing  heart,  pursue. 
You've  daughters  fair :  on  Vasco  one  bestow. 
And  blessings  on  your  head  from  this  will  flow. 
A  popular  hidalgo  in  his  prime, 
And  with  a  record  splendid,  and  sublime. 
He'll  shed  his  lustre  on  your  own  career, 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  69 

And  while — infirm — you  fail  from  year  to  year 

He  in  the  noon,  and  vigor  of  his  days — 

And  favored  by  the  King  with  grateful  praise — 

Can  guide  affairs,  and  mitigate  your  toil. 

And  pour  on  Faction's  waters  soothing  oil." 

Pedrarias  by  argument  was  won, 

And  said — "  I'll  take  Don  Vasco  as  my  son." 

His  spouse  consented  ere  the  day  was  done. 

And  Vasco  found  his  courtship  had  begun — 

A  happy  ending  he  had  ne'er  divined. 

The  tender  vows  of  marriage,  soon,  were  signed, 

And  Vasco  gave  his  promise  to  be  true : 

But  naught  of  this  the  daughter  chosen  knew, 

Nor  had  Balboa  e'er  the  maiden  seen. 

The  broad  Atlantic  rolled,  the  two,  between. 

For  she  was  still  a  happy  girl  in  Spain, 

Though  summoned  now,  in  haste,  to  cross  the  main. 

The  suitor  viewed  the  prospect  with  delight, 

For  sorrow  fled,  and  all  around  was  bright, 

Though  he  remembered  he'd  an  Indian  bride — 

A  faithful  friend,  companion,  slave,  and  guide — 

And  o'er  the  thought  of  parting  faintly  sighed. 

The  Bishop  deemed  his  triumph  truly  great 

To  turn  to  love  such  jealousy,  and  hate. 

And  said — "  My  friends,  I  each  congratulate  !  " 

XIV. 

Pedrarias — thus  won  to  friendship's  side — 
In  Vasco  Nunez  felt  a  sudden  pride, 
And,  erst  a  foe,  became  his  dearest  friend. 
His  proffered  favors  seemed  without  an  end, 
And  all  to  his"  aggrandizement  to  tend. 
He  for  the  past  was  eager  to  atone. 
And  linked  Don  Vasco's  fortunes  with  his  own. 
He  gave  him  leave  to  search  the  Southern  Sea, 


70  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

And  left  him  in  his  enterprises  free, 

Which  gave  ambition  to  achieve,  a  zest. 

His  cherished  project  Vasco  forward  pressed, 

And  planned  to  launch  a  fleet  of  brigantines 

To  navigate  through  ultramontane  scenes. 

The  timber,  and  the  rigging,  he  prepared. 

And  then,  with  zeal,  for  transportation  cared. 

Across  the  mighty  mountains  these  were  borne 

By  negroes  from  their  native  Guinea  torn, 

And  Indian  braves,  who  perished  by  the  way. 

The  task  stupendous  filled  them  with  dismay 

As  on  they  toiled,  and  struggled  day  by  day. 

At  length  they  reached  a  river  by  the  sea. 

And  Vasco  knelt,  and  thanked  the  Trinity  : 

But  worms,  alas  !  were  boring  through  the  wood, 

And  all,  ere  long,  was  swallowed  by  a  flood. 

Yet  Vasco,  undiscouraged,  planned  anew, 

And  stately  trees  he  felled  that  near  him  grew, 

And  o'er  the  Andes  sent  for  fresh  supplies. 

And  saw-success  attend  his  enterprise. 

Two  brigantines  on  Bolsas  river  lay. 

In  which  the  brave  explorer  sailed  away 

Triumphant  o'er  the  obstacles  opposed. 

In  fervent  prayer  again  his  eyes  were  closed, 

While  in  the  Faith  his  confidence  reposed. 

Appalling  oft  his  daring  task  had  seemed. 

But    through   the   gloom   the   light   of    Hope   had 

gleamed. 
And,  now,  he  felt  for  all  his  pains  repaid, 
And  asked  for  triumphs  new,  Almighty  aid. 
Before  him  stretched  the  vast,  mysterious  sea— ^ 
The  restless  emblem  of  Infinity; — 
But  who  could  tell  to  where  its  waters  led  ? 
A  world  unknown  before  his  vision  spread. 
And  Fancy,  and  Imagination  fed. 


THE  DIS.COVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.         71 


XV. 

To  Isla  Rica,  and  the  isles  around, 
Don  Vasco,  first,  in  search  of  pearls,  was  bound, 
And  there  designed  yet  other  barks  to  build, 
Which  he,  in  thought,  with  glist'ning  treasure  filled. 
He  reached  the  group,  and  soon  the  work  began  ; 
Then  down  the  seaboard  south,  and  eastward,  ran  : 
But,  twenty  leagues  beyond  St.  Michael's  Bay, 
His  crews  beheld  what  filled  them  with  dismay — 
A  school  of  whales,  each  spouting  on  its  way. 
They  deemed  them  rocks,  and  breakers,  in  the  night. 
And  anchored  till  the  morn  had  shed  its  light. 
Intending,  still,  their  voyage  to  pursue ; 
But  when  it  dawned  the  wind  against  them  blew, 
And  with  it  Vasco  Nunez  changed  his  course, 
And  landed  at  Chuchama  all  his  force, 
Avenging  there  a  troop  of  Spaniards  slain —  * 
To  glorify  the  Cross,  and  Crown  of  Spain — 
Till  blood  had  stained  the  mountains,  and  the  plain, 
And  bloodhounds  made  a  hecatomb  of  dead. 
Then  to  the  Isles  of  Pearl  again  he  sped. 
Nor  knew  how  miich  his  altered  course  had  cost. 
By  that  event,  to  him,  Peru  was  lost. 
For  had  he  onward  kept  his  wat'ry  way. 
Perchance  he'd  soon  have  found  that  new  Cathay  ; 
And  all  his  future  might  have  thus  been  changed, 
And  he,  a  victor,  o'er  an  empire  ranged. 

XVI. 

On  went  the  work  of  building  brigantines, 
And  Isla  Rica  witnessed  busy  scenes, 

*  A  party  of  ten  belonging  to  the  expedition  of  Francisco 
Pizarro  and  Caspar  Morales. 


72  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

While  Vasco  sent  from  sea  to  sea  again 
For  fresh  supplies — a  gang  of  fitting  men. 
Then  tidings  from  Darien  reached  his  ear, 
Which  made  him  eager  further  news  to  hear. 
Pedrarias  was  ordered  back  to  Spain, 
And,  in  his  stead,  another  sent  to  reign. 
A  new  commander  might  his  work  undo. 
And,  more  to  learn,  he  more  impatient  grew, 
He  chose  a  comrade  he  esteemed  as  true. 
And  said — "Across  the  mountains  journey  you, 
And — as  your  outward  purpose — seek  supplies, 
And  act  with  prudence  as  becomes  the  wise. 
If  he — Pedrarias — still  ruleth  there, 
A  courtly  message  to  the  courtier  bear. 
Tell  all  we've  done,  and  all  that  lies  before, 
And  of  munitions  ask  a  further  store ; 
Say,  too,  of  soldiers,  that  we  need  some  more ; 
Explain  delays,  and  promise  greater  speed, 
And  take  of  all  he  says  respectful  heed  : 
But  if  a  ruler,  new,  has  come  from  Spain, 
Not  there  a  moment,  ere  you  turn,  remain, 
And  hasten  back,  the  tidings  to  impart. 
That  we,  ere  orders  come,  may  hence  depart. 
And  eastward  sail,  the  country  to  explore, 
And  gather  as  we  go  the  golden  ore  :  " 
But  Garabito — such  was  he  by  name — 
Resolved  to  blight  his  noble  leader's  fame. 
Toward  Vasco,  long  he'd  felt  a  secret  hate. 
And,  now,  said  he — "  On  me  depends  his  fate  !  " 
Vindictive,  dastard,  foul,  and  base  at  heart 
He  gloried  in  revenge — his  cruel  part. 
Ere  this  he'd  warned  Pedrarias  by  stealth 
That  Vasco  aimed  alone  at  power,  and  wealth. 
And  meant  to  act  with  independent  sway, 
And  make  himself  the  ruler  of  Cathay, 
Nor  e'er  designed  his  daughter  fair  to  wed 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  73 

As  by  an  Indian  beauty  he  was  led. 
Pedrarias — the  jealous,  and  the  proud — 
On  reading  this,  his  wrath  expressed  aloud. 
And  all  his  old  suspicions  rose  anew, 
And  with  the  lapse  of  time  but  deeper  grew, 
While  Vasco'sfoes — of  whom  he  numbered  few — 
Of  this  distrust,  were  quick  to  fan  the  flame, 
And  strove  his  name — in  malice — to  defame. 

XVII. 

Perfidious  Garabito  ! — why  so  base. 
And  yet  a  loving  friend  to  Vasco's  face  ? 
Know  then  Careeta's  daughter  charmed  his  eye. 
And  words  between  the  friends  had  once  run  high  ; 
And  those  which  Vasco  spoke  in  angry  heat 
Were  cherished  as  a  morsel — bitter — sweet. 
Malignant  in  his  spirit,  this  was  bliss. 
And  yet,  like  Judas,  he  could  Vasco  kiss. 

XVIII. 

Pedrarias,  he  found  commander,  still. 

Though  one,  ere  this,  had  come,  his  place  to  fill. 

But  in  the  harbor,  ere  he  landed,  died. 

To  rouse  suspicion  Vasco's  envoy  tried. 

And  thus  was  summoned  to  the  ruler's  side. 

And  captive  held,  his  purpose  to  disclose. 

His  capture  broke  the  colony's  repose. 

For  all  exclaimed — "  Behold,  the  ancient  feud 

'Twixt  Vasco,  and  Pedrarias,  renewed  !  " 

Then  Garabito  told  whate'er  he  knew, 

And  much  beside  it  wilfully  untrue — 

All  he  suspected,  and  surmised,  and  more, 

To  gratify  the  malice  that  he  bore. 

On  this  a  friend  of  Vasco's  felt  alarm, 


74  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

And  warned  him  that  his  foes  designed  him  harm, 

And  bade  him  put  to  sea  without  delay, 

Nor  trust  to  Don  Pedrarias  a  day. 

But  look  to  the  Jeronymites"*  for  aid 

If  charges  e'er  against  him  should  be  made ; 

For  these — the  Fathers — would,  in  Hayti's  isle, 

On  this,  his  expedition,  gladly  smile, 

Believing  't  would  the  holy  Faith  diffuse. 

And  Spain  would  gain  what  infidels  would  lose. 

The  note  was  intercepted  on  its  way. 

Which  filled  its  hapless  writer  with  dismay. 

And  he  was  seized,  and  in  a  dungeon  chained. 

Pedrarias  a  love  of  justice  feigned. 

And    said — '^A     plot!      Behold      my     knowledge 

gained !" 
His  aim  was,  now,  Don  Vasco  to  secure. 
He,  therefore,  sought  his  victim  to  allure, 
For  force  would  on  the  Southern  Sea  be  vain 
With  valiant  spirits  in  the  hero's  train. 
Dissembling  feeling  he  to  Vasco  wrote — 
Nor  conscience  e'er  the  simulator  smote — 
And  asked  him  to  Careeta  to  repair. 
And  promised,  when  he  came,  to  meet  him  there, 
Expressing  friendship  as  he'd  done  before  : 
But  fearing  Vasco  would  his  note  ignore. 
He  sent  Pizarro,  with  a  chosen  troop. 
To  seek  Don  Vasco  at  the  island  group. 
And  bring  him,  if  he  could,  the  mountains  o'er — 
A  fettered  captive  to  Careeta's  shore. 

*  Through  the  representations  of  Las  Casas  with  respect  to 
the  cruel  treatment  of  the  Indians,  Cardinal  Ximenes,  in  1516, 
had  appointed  three  Jeronymite  Friars  to  proceed  to  San 
Domingo,  and  remain  there,  to  remedy  all  abuses  connected 
with  the  treatment  of  the  natives ;  and  the  exercise  of  their 
authority  had  a  powerful  effect  for  good  in  the  New  World. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC,  75 

Balboa's  friends  to  warn  him  felt  afraid, 

Lest  they  should  captives,  too,  for  this,  be  made, 

And  Terror  seemed  among  them  all  to  reign. 

The  friendly  Bishop  erst  had  left  for  Spain, 

Or    he — perchance — would    here    his    voice    have 

raised. 
And,  as  a  friend,  the  valiant  Vasco  praised. 


PART  III. 

The  Fate  of  Vasco  Nunez  de  Balboa. 

'T  WAS  night  at  Isla  Rica — lustrous  night, 

And  brightly  shed  the  moon  her  silver  light, 

Illuminating  grandly  sea,  and  land — 

The  lesser  isles,  and  continental  strand. 

And  far  away,  but  vivid  to  the  eye, 

Tiie  Cordilleras,  vast,  eternal,  high — 

While  stars  with  scintillations  filled  the  sky. 

The  tranquil  waters  like  a  mirror  shone, 

And  Night's  Sultana  sat  a  dazzling  throne. 

Don  Vasco  stood,  a  gazer  on  the  scene, 

His  figure  lighted  with  the  splendid  sheen, 

And  looking  upward  saw  a  luckless  sign. 

"  'T  is  strange,"  said  he,  "  a  star  doth  yonder  shine. 

That  tells  me  I'm  in  peril  of  my  life ; 

Yet  naught  around  me  seems  with  danger  rife. 

In   health,    and    strength,    I    feel    I've    naught    to 

crave, 
Nor  fear  I,  yet,  I'll  fill  an  early  grave. 
Three  hundred  men  have  I,  well  armed,  and  brave, 
And  brigantines — aye,  four  of  these — beside 
With  which  to  navigate  this  southern  tide, 
And  wealth,  and  glory,  waiting  where  I  go. 


76  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

What  more  could  man  aspire  to  here  below  ? 
Yet  Micer  Codro  told  me  years  ago 
That  when  that  star  shone  where  it  shineth  now 
Deaih  might  condemn  me  at  its  shrine  to  bow. 
How  vain  are  these  predictions,"  and  he  smiled, 
"  And  yet  how  oft  by  such  are  men  beguiled ! " 
'T  was  on  the  morn  succeeding  eve  so  bright, 
While  Vasco  viewed  his  future  with  delight. 
That  ultramontane  tidings  reached  the  isle, 
And  that  ensnaring  letter,  full  of  guile. 
Don  Vasco — unsuspicious — read  it  o'er, 
And  all  unconscious  of  the  fate  in  store, 
Or  of  a  wrong,  to  kindle  wrath,  he'd. done, 
Obeyed  the  summons  ere  another  sun. 
And  left  his  force  to  wait  his  quick  return  ; 
For  he  was  slow  his  danger  to  discern. 
A  faithful  few,  from  those  who  held  command, 
Alone  he  chose  of  all  his  valiant  band 
To  cross  the  Andes  to  the  northern  strand. 
*T  was  as  th'ey  climbed  the  lofty  mountain  chain — 
And  far  below  them  saw  the  glitt'ring  main — 
That  those  who  brought  the  tidings,  feeling  kind. 
Told -Vasco  what  Pedrarias  designed. 
He  marvelled  much,  and  scarce  the  truth  believed. 
He  felt  as  if  his  senses  had  deceived. 
What  cause  so  great  a  change,  so  soon,  could  work  ? 
What  secret  in  this  sudden  wrath  could  lurk  ? 
Some  transient  ire — perchance — had  moved  to  hate, 
Or  foes  had  labored  envy  to  create, 
But  this  his  presence,  soon,  would  dissipate. 
Could  he  who'd  pledged  his  fairest  daughter's  hand, 
Her  suitor  seek  to  ruin  in  the  land  ? 
Thus  musing  he  continued  on  his  way. 
Nor  sought  his  forward  movement  to  delay. 
Though  on   his  course   he  might  have  turned  the 
while, 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  77 

And  journeyed  backward  to  the  southern  isle, 
And  there  repelled  pursuers  from  the  shore, 
And  sailed  upon  his  voyage  to  explore. 

II. 

As  Vasco  climbed  the  Cordilleras'  side, 

And  led  the  way,  his  comrades'  valiant  guide — 

While  Echo  to  his  mountain  song  replied — 

He  saw  a  troop,  Pizarro  at  its  head, 

And  faster — to  embrace  him — onward  sped : 

But  in  his  greeting  he  was  strangely  cold. 

And,  then,  on  Vasco's  arm  laid  sudden  hold. 

His  story,  by  the  action,  he  had  told. 

*'  I  come,"  said  he,  "  to  take  you  back  in  chains  ; 

You're  branded  as  an  enemy  of  Spain's." 

Don  Vasco  looked,  astonished,  in  his  face. 

Then  yielded  to  be  manacled  with  grace. 

"  Is  this,"  said  he — reproachful  in  his  tone — 

"  The  way  that  you,  to  serve  a  friend  are  prone  ? 

Francisco,  ah  !  Francisco,  we  were  friends  : 

Remember  God  the  innocent  defends  ! " 

Then  he  was  led  to  Ada  on  the  coast, 

Where  dwelt  Careeta,  and  his  swarthy  host. 

And  in  a  dungeon  there  was  left  to  mourn. 

From  all  his  rights,  and  freedom,  rudely  torn. 

III. 

Pedrarias  pretended  friendship  still. 

And  said — "Toward  Vasco  I've  no  evil  will;'* 

Then  visited  the  captive  in  his  jail. 

And  told  him  a  dissimulator's  tale. 

"  Feel  not,"  said  he,  "  oppressed  by  this,  my  son ; — 

Not  less  could  I,  in  duty,  now  have  done 

In  view  of  accusations  that  were  made  ; — 


78  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

Nor  of  this  transient  rigor  be  afraid  ; 

Your  innocence  will,  doubtless,  soon  be  proved, 

And  these  suspicions  of  your  guilt  removed — 

Your  loyalty  established  to  Castile, 

And  to  your  king  exhibited  your  zeal :  " 

But  while  he  thus  to  soothe  his  victim  spoke, 

And  hope  within  his  drooping  breast  awoke. 

He  turned  to  Espinosa,*  of  the  law, 

And  said — "  Indict  the  wretch,  without  a  flaw, 

For  treason  to  King  Ferdinand  of  Spain — 

Conspiracy  to  filch  the  southern  main — 

And  those — his  comrades — who  are  with  him,  too  : 

Methinks  that  to  the  Crown  they're  all  untrue." 

'T  was  done,  and  Vasco's  trial  soon  began. 

He  stood  before  the  court  an  injured  man. 

While  Garabito  swore  to  heartless  lies, 

And  showed  the  love  of  vengeance  in  his  eyes. 

And  falsehood  in  the  movement  of  his  hand. 

Its  progress  by  Pedrarias  was  scanned, 

And  when  the  perjured  villain  told  his  tale — 

"  Ha,  ah,"  said  he,  "  not,  now,  will  justice  fail  !  " 

And  sought  again  the  victim  of  his  wiles 

But  he  no  more  bestowed  upon  him  smiles. 

He  pulled  the  mask  of  kindness  from  his  face. 

And  showed  a  foe  without  a  Christian  grace. 

"  Till  now,"  he  spoke,  with  fierce,  upbraiding  tone, 

*'  I  deemed  you  true  and  loyal  to  the  Throne, 

And  unto  me,  the  servant  of  the  Crown  : 

But  in  your  thirst — ambitious — for  renown 

I  find  you've  been  rebellious  in  your  aim 

And  on  your  name,  and  mine,  have  cast  a  stain. 

For  you  no  more  affection  I  can  bear. 

Nor  can  you  e'er  the  flagrant  wrong  repair. 

*  Caspar  de  Espinosa,  the  alcalde  mayor,  and  only  lawyer 
and  magistrate  in  the  colony. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.         79 

Henceforth  you'll  find  I'll  treat  you  as  a  foe, 

And  Justice  may  return  you  blow  for  blow." 

Don  Vasco's  indignation  flushed  his  cheek, 

And  he  began  in  self-defence  to  speak. 

*'  Had  I  been  conscious  of  my  guilt,"  said  he, 

"  Would  1  for  this  have  left  the  Southern  Sea  ? 

Was  my  confiding  frankness  proof  of  wrong 

When  I  was  there  with  barks,  and  comrades,  strong? 

What  need  had  I,  if  aught  had  I  to  fear. 

To  journey  o'er  the  Cordilleras  here  ? — 

To  trust  to  mercy  at  your  cruel  hands 

When  straight  before  me  lay  inviting  lands  ? 

If  I  had  been  rebellious  in  design 

The  fitting  opportunity  was  mine. 

For  ships,  and  men — an  ample  force — had  I, 

To  win  my  way  and  all  my  foes  defy. 

I'd  but  to  spread  my  sails,  and  forward  press — 

Beseeching  God  the  enterprise  to  bless — 

To  reap  a  golden  harvest  far  away 

In  regions  independent  of  your  sway. 

Yet  in  my  simple  guilelessness  of  heart — 

My  innocence — I  played  this  fatal  part, 

And  at  your  mere  request,  in  friendly  guise, 

Put  off  my  promised  southern  enterprise. 

And  came  to  meet  you,  willing  to  obey  : 

And  yet  behold  me  where  I  am  to-day — 

Degraded,  slandered,  dungeoned,  and  in  chains. 

What  else  for  me  but  death  itself  remains  ?  " 

But  all  in  vain  Don  Vasco  thus  appealed. 

He  found  the  tyrant's  heart  to  mercy  steeled, 

For  he  exasperation  showed  the  more. 

And  multiplied  the  manacles  he  wore. 

And  urged  with  malice,  and  indecent  speed. 

The  inquisition  faster  to  proceed. 

And  all  the  ancient  charges,  then,  revived, 

And  at  conviction  with  his  foes  connived  : 


8o  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

But  Still  the  trial  slowly  dragged  along, 
For  Espinosa  recognized  the  wrong, 
And  felt  aversion  for  the  task  imposed. 
At  length  his  judicative  labors  closed. 
And  GUILTY  Vasco  Nunez  was  pronounced; 
But  as  this  cruel  verdict  was  announced 
He  said — "  To  mercy,  Vasco  I  commend, 
For  empire  he  has  labored  to  extend, 
And  shed  unfading  lustre  on  the  Crown, 
While  for  himself,  achieving  great  renown. 
And  this  will  live,  and  brighter  grow  with  time. 
The  written  law  convicts  him  of  the  crime. 
But  guiltless  still  his  motives  may  have  been  : 
The  hearts  of  men  by  God  alone  are  seen. 
I,  too,  advise  permission  to  appeal 
From  this  our  court  to  that  of  old  Castile." 
The  sentence  on  his  comrades  was  the  same,  * 
Though  guiltless,  too,  of  treasonable  aim. 

IV. 

Pedrarias  with  unrelenting  hate. 

Impatient  felt  to  seal  his  victim's  fate, 

Exclaiming — "  No  appeal  I'll  tolerate, 

Nor  mercy  more  for  such  as  he  have  I. 

If  he  is  guilty,  let  the  traitor  die. 

Nor  ere  his  death  must  needless  moments  fly. 

To  execution  bear  the  wretch  away." 

In  Vasco's  death  he  deemed  his  safety  lay. 

For  he  had  gone  too  far  to  e'er  retreat. 

And,  with  the  proverb,  said — '*  Revenge  is  sweet." 

*  Three  of  his  officers — Valderrabano,  Munos,  and  Botello 
— and  Hernanda  de  Arguello,  who  had  written  the  inter- 
cepted letter.  Garabito,  the  informer  and  perjurer,  was, 
however,  pardoned.  The  trial  and  execution  took  place  in 
the  year  1517. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  8i 

He'd  ever  as  a  rival  Vasco  viewed, 

And  Garabito's  tale  his  hate  renewed — 

The  hate  the  marriage  articles  had  lulled — 

A  contract  thus  by  death  to  be  annulled. 

To  spurn  his  daughter,  and  dispute  his  sway, 

Was,  to  his  mind,  the  part  he  meant  to  play: 

But  Vasco  ne'er  designed  his  pledge  to  break — 

The  soon  expected  maiden  to  forsake, 

But  gladly  would  have  wed  her  when  she  came, 

While  ne'er  was  he  a  rebel  in  his  aim, 

Though,  once  embarked  upon  the  Southern  Sea, 

He  meant  his  course  of  action  should  be  free. 

Resolved  capricious  orders  to  discard, 

Nor  let,  by  these,  his  enterprise  be  marred. 

Though  he  designed  his  conquests  but  for  Spain — 

Nor  toward  her  felt  an  atom  of  disdain — 

His  own  deserts,  the  favor  of  the  throne, 

The  jealousies  and  obstacles  he'd  known, 

The  offices  the  Sovereign  had  bestowed, 

The  love  and  friendship  that  compatriots  showed, 

Alike  encouraged  boldness  of  design. 

And  made  him  long  with  lustre,  new,  to  shine. 


O'er  Ada,  gloom  and  horror  seemed  to  reign, 

When  Vasco,  and  his  melancholy  train, 

Emerged  upon  the  populace's  view. 

While  still,  and  breathless,  the  observers  grew. 

The  scene  of  execution  was  the  square, 

And  all  the  Spaniards  congregated  there, 

And  few  were  they  whose  eyes  were  unbedewed. 

The  spectacle  with  sorrow  all  imbued. 

They  thought  of  Vasco's  gallant  deeds  of  arms, 

His  noble  mien,  his  chivalry  and  charms, 

The  persecution  he  had  calmly  borne, 


82  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

The  rights  of  which  they'd  seen  him  rudely  shorn, 

The  dauntless,  daring  enterprise  he'd  shown, 

The  Southern  Sea — a  triumph  all  his  own, 

The  glory  for  the  Cross  and  Crown  he'd  won, 

The  grander  deeds  expected,  but  undone. 

The  coming  maiden,  ne'er  to  be  his  bride, 

Pedrarias,  his  tyranny,  and  pride  ; 

But  such  was  of  the  tyrant,  now,  the  dread 

That  from  each  bosom  native  courage  fled, 

And  none  for  Vasco  dared  a  voice  to  raise. 

Hushed,  under  terror,  was  the  tongue  of  Praise. 

The  crier,  thus  proclaiming,  led  the  way — 

"  A  traitor,  and  usurper,  dies  to-day. 

One  who  aspired  himself  a  crown  to  win. 

Behold  him  reap  the  penalty  of  sin  ! 

'T  is  by  the  King's  command  the  deed  is  done. 

All  ye  who  hearken  learn  his  crime  to  shun." 

As  Vasco  heard  the  words  he  cried — "  'T  is  false  : 

I  ne'er  rebelled,  whate'er  have  been  my  faults. 

Nor  harbored  of  the  crime  a  single  thought, 

But  loyally  to  serve  my  Sovereign  sought, 

And  ever  strove  to  widen  his  domain. 

God  knows  of  my  fidelity  to  Spain  !  " 

His  dying  words  were  uttered  there  in  vain, 

But  all  who  heard  them  spoken  knew  them  true. 

Though  naught  could  they,  to  save  the  culprit,  do. 

The  Cordilleras  pierced  the  southern  sky. 

Toward  these  he  gazed  as  if  to  say  good-by. 

Then  turned  away,  in  sadness,  with  a  sigh. 

He  knelt  before  the  crucifix  to  pray. 

Confessed  his  sins,  and  felt  them  washed  away, 

Received  the  holy  Sacrament,  divine, 

And  on  his  bosom,  made  the  Saviour's  sign  ; 

Then,  strong  in  faith,  reliant  on  his  God, 

The  scaffold  with  a  step  courageous  trod, 

The  block  with  calm  demeanor  boldly  faced. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  83 

And  laid  his  head  where  he  the  cross  had  traced. 

A  moment  more  revealed  a  headless  trunk. 

Before  the  sight  the  startled  gazers  shrunk — 

All  save  the  tyrant  who,  in  secret,  saw  ; 

And  said — "  At  last  triumphant  is  the  law  !  " 

Then  one  by  one  his  comrades  forth  were  led 

Till  three  were,  like  him,  numbered  with  the  dead. 

A  fourth  remained — Hernando,  Vasco's  friend, 

Whose  warning  note  involved  this  fatal  end. 

Some  interceded  even  now  for  him 

And  sought  the  tyrant  in  the  twilight,  dim, 

But  he  was  stern,  and  cruel  as  before. 

And  said — "  Why  ask  for  pardon  o'er,  and  o'er. 

I'd  sooner  die  than  one  of  them  should  live. 

No  other  answer  't  is  for  me  to  give," 

And  in  the  tropic  twilight's  gath'ring  gloom 

The  stroke  was  heard  that  sealed  the  victim's  doom. 

The  concourse  vanished  in  the  fading  light, 

And  lamentations  ushered  in  the  night : 

But  even  this  to  soothe  the  tyrant  failed. 

"  The  traitor's  head,"  said  he,  "  I  wish  impaled  ; 

Erect  a  pole  within  the  public  square. 

And  place  it  as  a  ghastly  warning  there. 

Whate'er  he  left  I  confiscate  to  Spain. 

Triumphant  over  Treason  Law  must  reign." 

For  days  the  breeze  caressed  the  victim's  hair. 

And  fanned  the  features,  picturesque,  and  fair, 

While  daily  there  a  plaintive  moan  arose — 

A  woman's  groan,  suggestive  of  her  woes. 

Careeta's  daughter  mourned  her  idol  dead, 

And  o'er  his  fate  her  heart — in  anguish — bled. 

The  promised  bride  came  radiant  from  the  sea 

Expecting  her  hidalgo,  brave,  to  see, 

Instead  of  which  she  heard  the  awful  tale 

That  made  her  turn,  with  sick'ning  horror,  pale. 

And  then  she  wept,  and  cried — "  Oh,  why  was  this  ?" 

And  found  to  sorrow  turned  her  hopes  of  bliss. 


84  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 


VI. 

Thus  passed  away  the  hero  in  his  prime — ^ 
A  guihless  victim,  branded  deep  with  crime- 
Arrested  midway  in  his  grand  career, 
Yet  meeting  death  without  a  trace  of  fear, 
His  greatest  blemish  he  deserved  too  well. 
He  bade  the  world  regretfully  farewell  — 
The  prey  of  base,  perfidious  designs : 
But  o'er  his  grave  the  myrtle  ever  twines. 
Unjustly  dealt  a  cruel  death  he  died, 
And  o'er  his  fate  all  but  his  murd'rer  sighed, 
For  Garabito  felt  at  last  remorse, 
And  shed  a  tear  o'er  Vasco's  headless  corse. 


PART  IV. 
The  Story  of  Valdivia. 


Valdivia's  tragic  fate  can  soon  be  told. 
When  he  for  San  Domingo  sailed  with  goldf 
Fair  blew  the  winds  to  waft  his  caravel, 
And  till  he  saw  Jamaica  all  was  well. 
A  gale — a  wreck — and  he,  and  twenty  more, 
A  sailless  boat  directed  toward  the  shore, 
But  they  were  tossed  nigh  half  a  month  at  sea 
Ere  they  beheld  a  country  on  their  lee, 

*  At  the  time  of  his  execution  Balboa  was  in  his  forty-second 
year. 

t  This  was  in  151 2,  on  his  voyage  from  Darien — of  which  he 
was  Regidor — under  the  orders  of  Balboa. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  85 

And  soon  were  stranded  on  its  verdant  coast, 

Where  round  them  gathered  an  unfriendly  host, 

Who  dashed  their  boat  in  pieces  where  it  lay, 

And  bore  them  captive — to  the  chief — away. 

'T  was  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Yucatan. 

They  heard  the  name,  and  thought  it  Kubla  Khan. 

Fourteen  alone — a  famished  crew — were  left, 

And  these  of  all  but  scanty  garb  bereft. 

The  chieftain  gave  them  banquets  of  the  best. 

And,  in  their  bondage,  they  were  blessed  with  rest, 

While  thankful  for  escaping  to  the  land. 

They  saw  in  this  the  Lord's  protecting  hand  : 

But  Terror  o'er  them  soon  resumed  its  sway. 

The  chief  selected  five  he  meant  to  slay — 

Valdivia  of  the  number — and  they  died, 

For  all  in  vain  for  mercy  'f  was  they  cried. 

Before  the  native  idols  they  were  bled, 

And  on  their  bodies  those  who  slew  them  fed. 

The  nine  surviving  heard  their  comrades'  groans. 

And  saw  anon  their  flesh-divested  bones. 

And  from  their  cage,  and  death  so  awful,  fled, 

And  in  the  woods  a  life  of  hunger  led. 

Another  chieftain  captured  them  at  length. 

And  made  them  daily  toil  beyond  their  strength. 

And  one  by  one  they  died  till  two  remained — 

Gonzalo,  and  Jeronimo,  a  priest.* 

The  first  despaired  of  succor  from  the  east. 

And  hung  his  nose,  his  ears,  and  lip,  with  rings, 

Tattooed  his  form,  and  copied  native  kings. 

And  won  a  chieftain's  daughter  as  his  bride. 

The  other  took  his  calling  for  his  guide, 

♦Gonzalo  Guerrero,  a  sailor,  and  Jeronimo  de  Aguilar — a 
priest.  The  former  became  a  great  warrior,  and  married  a 
native  princess,  and  the  latter  was  rescued  by  Cortez,  whom 
he  accompanied  in  his  expedition  to  Mexico,  acting  in  the 
capacity  of  interpreter. 


86  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

And,  meek,  and  chaste,  his  way  to  favor  found, 
And  for  his  wondrous  virtues  grew  renowned. 
The  chief  besought  him  oft  to  choose  a  bride. 
And  brought  the  fairest  damsels  to  his  side. 
But  he  as  oft  theproifered  boon  decHned, 
And  said — "  To  single  life  I'm  well  resigned, 
And  marriage  would  to  me — a  priest — be  sin." 
The  chief  could  ne'er  the  priest  for  woman  win. 
Though  he  was  left  to  virgin  charms,  and  wiles, 
And  wooed  to  bask  in  loving  Beauty's  smiles. 
He  gently  all  caressing  nymphs  rebuked, 
Nor  e'er  with  lover's  eyes  on  maiden  looked. 
By  patient  houris  he  was  fondly  wooed. 
But  all  in  vain  bewitching  woman  sued. 
Jeronimo  preferred  his  solitude. 
Though  loving  looks,  and  sighs,  on  him  were  rained, 
He  zealously  from  wedded  life  refrained, 
And  faithful  still  to  priestly  vows  remained. 
Years  passed  away:  Cordova's  squadron  came,  * 
But  though  escape  had  been  his  constant  aim 
The  coast  was  distant,  and  his  captors  keen. 
And  ne'er  by  him  the  Spanish  ships  were  seen. 
A  year,  and  more,  and  ships  again  appeared — 
Grijalva's  f  squadron — but  to  flee  he  feared, 
For  he  was  still  by  jealous  eyes  deterred, 
And  naught  Grijalva  of  the  Spaniards  heard. 
Another  year,  and  Cortez  reached  the  strand, $ 
And,  gleaning  tidings  of  Valdivia's  band, 
A  greeting  penned,  and  sent  it  o'er  the  land. 
An  Indian  bore  it  to  the  Spaniard's  hand. 


*  Francisco  Hernandez  de  Cordova  sailed  along  the  coast 
on  his  voyage  of  discovery.     This  was  in  1517. 

t  Juan  de  Grijalva,  who  coasted  Yucatan  in  1518. 

X  This  was  in  1519. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  87 

-L^e  read  the  welcome  missive  with  delight, 

And  at  the  moment  meditated  flight. 

The  natives  stood  around  with  wond'ring  eyes, 

For  much  the  speaking  paper  roused  surprise. 

Jeronimo  said — "  Here  are  mighty  men, 

With  ships,  and  arms,  that  far  surpass  your  ken. 

The  thunder  and  the  lightning  they  can  mock, 

And  fill  the  country  with  the  awful  shock. 

They  bless  their  friends,  but  all  their  foemen  slay. 

Propitiate  them  then  without  delay." 

"Jeronimo,"  the  chief  replied,  "depart. 

And  win  for  me  their  great  commander's  heart." 

He  sent  Gonzalo  word,  but  he  replied 

He'd  evermore  in  Yucatan  abide. 

He  went,  and  reached  Cozumel's  isle  at  last. 

And — naked — told  the  story  of  the  past. 

Though  half  forgotten  seemed  his  native  tongue. 

A  crimson  cloak  around  him  Cortez  flung, 

And  warmly  gave  him  welcome  to  the  fleet. 

The  long  lost  wand'rer's  heart  with  rapture  beat, 

For  he'd  despaired  of  meeting  Spaniards  more. 

And  cried — "  At  length,  my  savage  life  is  o'er." 


PART  V. 

The  Adventures  of  Ponce  de  Leon. 

I. 

Romantic  and  chivalrous  sons  of  Spain 
Delighted  in  adventures  on  the  main. 
And  none  of  all  the  best  and  worst  of  these 
More  loved  to  range  the  islands  and  the  seas. 
Than  Ponce  de  Leon,  who,  with  storied  name. 
Passed  through  a  long  knight-errantry  to  fame. 


88  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC, 

In  Moorish  wars  inured,  at  first,  to  arms, 

A  warrior's  life  to  him  was  full  of  charms, 

And  in  Granada  many  a  lilt  had  he 

Ere  he  embarked  his  fortunes  on  the  sea. 

The  second  time  Columbus  sought  the  west 

He  bore  him  out  a  rover  on  its  breast,* 

And  when  Ovando  ravaged  Hayti's  isle, — 

And  o'er  his  work  of  slaughter  seemed  to  smile, — 

Don  Ponce  de  Leon — foremost  in  the  fray — 

For  gold,  and  glory,  battled  day  by  day, — 

As  quick  to  fight  as  he  was  prone  to  pray, — 

And  cried — "  'T  is  holy,  infidels  to  slay  !  " 

When  Peace,  o'er  War  at  last  regained  its  sway 

He  looked  around  for  wild  adventures,  new. 

And  Porto  Rico's  island  met  his  view. 

From  Hayti  't  was  but  forty  miles  away. 

And  on  its  lofty  mountains  green,  and  gray, 

He  saw  the  sun — in  light,  and  shadow — play. 

From    native    tongues    he   learned    that   gold    was 

there. 
And  begged  Ovando  he  might  there  repair. 
He  landed  on  its  deeply  wooded  shore. 
And  o'er  him  saw  the  scarlet  heron  soar. 
And  gathered  in  the  streamlets  shining  ore, 
And  learned  that  far  away  were  golden  mines. 
The  sycamore,  and  cedar,  clad  with  vines. 
Grew  grandly  with  the  ceiba,  and  the  palm, 
While  willows  waved,  and  blossoms  shed  their  balm. 
And  through  the  groves  the  cardinals  were  heard, 
And  tropeos,  and  many  a  mocking-bird ; 
And  fields  of  yuca,  interspersed  with  maize. 
Looked  golden  in  the  sun's  effulgent  rays. 


*  Ponce  de  Leon  accompanied  Columbus  on  his  second 
voyage  in  1493,  and  was  made  lieutenant-governor  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  Higuey,  in  Hayti,  by  Ovando,  after  its  subjugation. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  89 

To  friendly  speech  the  natives  coined  their  breath, 

Nor  saw  in  him  the  harbinger  of  death ; 

And  gifts  the  chief  in  rich  profusion  gave, 

Nor  knew  how  near  the  stranger  brought  the  grave. 

For  Hayti's  Isle  he  spread  his  vessel's  sail. 
And  told  Ovando  his  attractive  tale, 
Who  Porto  Rico's  conquest  then  designed, 
And  boundless  riches  there  aspired  to  find  : 
But  ere  for  this  he  found  the  martial  means 
His  thoughts  were  swiftly  turned  to  other  scenes. 
Don  Diego  came  to  govern  in  his  stead. 
And  back  to  Spain  the  fierce  Ovando  sped. 
And  praised  his  friend  De  Leon  to  the  Crown, 
And  told  how  great,  for  prowess,  his  renown. 
Whereon  the  King,  admiring  all  he'd  done, 
Said — "  For  himself  the  island's  rule  he's  won," 
And  sent  him  word  to  govern  there  for  Spain, 
Nor  should  Don  Diego  e'er  dispute  his  reign. 
*'  Behold  my  rights  invaded,"  Diego  cried, 
"  Though  I,  in  Spain,  so  long  for  justice  tried  !  " 

II. 

A  bloodless  triumph  Ponce  de  Leon  gained, 
For  Porto  Rico  peaceful  still  remained. 
Though,  with  his  forces,  he  was  ruling  there  ; 
Yet  storm  impended  while  the  sky  was  fair. 
Oppression  roused  to  wrath  the  native  breast. 
"  The  Spaniard,"  said  the  chief,  "  is  but  a  guest; 
Yet  like  a  master  he  to  rule  us  aims. 
And — mark  me — I  repudiate  his  claims. 
Is  he— my  people — an  immortal  man, 
Or  is  his  lifetime  measured  by  a  span  ? 
If  mortal,  we  can  take  him  by  surprise, 
And  spear  him,  and  assail  him,  till  he  dies ; 


90  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

But  if  he's  everlasting,  woe  to  all, 

The  honey  of  our  lives  is  turned  to  gall. 

To  test  his  immortality  we'll  seek, 

And  if  he  dies,  then,  vengeance  we  shall  wreak  !  " 

A  Spaniard  slain  the  mortal  story  told, 

By  which  the  savage  heart  was  rendered  bold. 

And  all  the  chiefs  and  native  hosts  combined 

To  execute  the  fatal  work  designed. 

At  night  the  warriors  met  in  painted  throngs, 

And  sang — in  groves — areytos — battle-songs, 

And  danced  the  war-dance  round  their  fagot  fires, 

And    blew  their  shells,    and  twanged    their  native 

lyres. 
A  Spaniard,  hearing,  joined  them,  painted  too, 
And  seemed  himself  an  Indian  to  the  view, 
And,  from  their  language,  and  suggestive  signs. 
Their  plot  divined,  and  all  their  foul  designs. 
With  speed  he  warned  his  comrades  quartered  near, 
Who  marvelled  much  of  such  a  plot  to  hear, 
And  scarce  believed  that  all  they  heard  was  true. 
Don  Christoval  *  howe'er  distrustful  grew, 
For  he  a  chieftain's  daughter  there  had  won. 
And  she  had  warned  him  massacre  to  shun. 
But  he  from  fondness  deemed  her  fears  arose, 
And  not  till  now  believed  her  kinsmen  foes. 
He  hastened  to  Caparra  far  awa}^. 
Where  Ponce  de  Leon  with  his  army  lay. 
But  slain  was  he — with  comrades — on  the  way, 
While  all  the  towns  by  Spaniards  built  were  razed, 
And  fires  upon  the  mountain  summits  blazed. 
All  saving  those  who  to  Caparra  fled 
Were  left  by  the  avenging  warriors  dead. 


*  Don  Christoval  de  Sotomayor,  who  had  been  for  a  time 
alcalde  mayor  under  Juan  Ponce  de  Leon. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.        -91 

A  hundred  Spaniards  perished  at  a  blow, 

And  from  the  fort  no  soldier  dared  to  go  :  * 

But  Ponce  de  Leon  sent  to  Hayti's  shore 

Don  Diego's  help  in  peril  to  implore, 

And  forces  fresh  responded  to  the  call. 

Then  Ponce  de  Leon  from  his  fortress  wall 

Cried — "  Christ,  and  Santiago,  sally  out ! 

The  Christian's  sword  the  Infidel  will  rout ! " 

"  Christo  y  Santiago  !  "  was  the  cry 

That  oft  repeated  made  the  echoes  fly. 

And  Ponce  de  Leon  must'ring  ev'ry  man, 

And  shouting — "  Adelantd  !  "  led  the  van. 

The  Indians  gazed  in  wonder  at  the  sight, 

And  consternation  moved  their  hosts  to  flight. 

Once    more    alive    they    deemed     the    Spaniards 

slain, 
Or  why  such  numbers  in  De  Leon's  train  ? 
With  men  immortal  battling  seemed  in  vain. 
By  swift  degrees  the  Spaniards  trod  them  down, 
And  Ponce  de  Leon  basked  in  fresh  renown. 
The  race  of  Red  Men  passed  like  gourds  away, 
To  all  the  ills  invasion  brought  a  prey — 
Toil,  sickness,  famine,  cruelty,  and  woe — 
The  tares  the  Spaniard  wearied  ne'er  to  sow : 
But  Ponce  ere  long  was  shorn  of  all  his  sway. 
"  Don  Diego,"  said  the  King,  "  let  all  obey. 
For  unto  him  that  favored  isle  belongs. 
His  rights  must  not  be  recognized  by  wrongs  ; 
And  Ponce  de  Leon,  though  he's  nobly  done, 
Must  yield  to  him — the  great  explorer's  son. 
Thus  I  a  wrong  committed  now  repair :  " 
And  Diego  after  that  was  ruler  there. 


*  There  were  in  the  fort,  besieged,  at  this  time,  a  hundred 
Spaniards,  and  a  bloodhound. 


92  .  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 


III. 

Don  Ponce  de  Leon  dreamed  of  conquests  new. 

Another  world  he  pictured  to  his  view, 

And  in  imagination  conquered  this, 

And  reaped  renown,  and  everlasting  bliss. 

The  Indians  told  him  of  a  land  of  gold, 

Where  none  of  all  its  people  e'er  grew  old. 

And  Pleasure  reigned  and  pain  had  ne'er  been  known, 

And  where  the  sun  on  beauty  ever  shone. 

And  flowed  the  river  of  eternal  youth. 

The  eager  Spaniard  deemed  't  was  all  the  truth, 

And  sought  this  splendid  region  of  delight, 

Where  hearts  were  glad  and  eyes  forever  bright, 

And  only  beauty  met  the  ravished  sight. 

He  felt  his  youth,  and  prime,  already  past. 

And  life  too  short  for  enterprises  vast, 

But  could  he  reach  this  youth-restoring  stream. 

No  longer  life  a  fleeting  thing  he'd  deem. 

Rejuvenized,  and  yet  with  all  he  knew, 

What  thought  could  compass  all  he  still  might  do? 

So  credulous,  and  fanciful  was  he 

That  he  embarked,  for  this  to  search  the  sea. 

His  youth  renew,  and  gather  golden  ore. 

He  found  his  comrades  eager  to  explore, 

For  like  him  they  believed  the  fiction  true. 

And,  in  imagination,  glowing  grew. 

A  fairy-land  before  them  seemed  to  lie, 

And  there  in  fancy  all  were  wont  to  fly. 

Three  caravels,  with  hope-exalted  crews, 
Their  canvas  spread  on  this  Quixotic  cruise, 
And,  northward  steering,  passed  from  isle  to  isle,* 

*  This   fairy-land,  the  Indians  said,  lay  far  north,  but  an 
island  called  Bimini,  much  nearer,  was  similarly  endowed. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  93 

All  eyes  in  expectation  strained  the  while. 

The  green  Bahamas  one  by  one  were  passed 

Until  they  reached  San  Salvador  at  last, 

Where  first  Columbus  trod  the  western  world, 

And  by  its  shores  his  sails — rejoicing — furled  : 

But  all  in  vain  the  pilgrims  sought  the  land, 

And  drank  of  ev'ry  stream  from  strand  to  strand, 

And  in  their  waters  bathed  with  zealous  zest, 

With  youth,  and  riches,  hoping  to  be  blessed. 

Yet  Ponce  de  Leon — hopeful  none  the  less — 

Northwestward,  still,  his  way  resolved  to  press. 

And- sailed  till  land,  and  palms,  again  were  seen — 

A  country  splendid  in  its  garb  of  green. 

Where  Flora  revelled  in  undying  bloom. 

And  from  the  shore  was  wafted  sweet  perfume. 

"  This  is,"  said  he,  "  the  paradise  we  seek. 

A  monitor,  I  hear  within  me  speak." 

'T  was  on  a  Sabbath  *  in  the  blush  of  spring, 

When  through  the  forest,  birds  were  wont  to  sing, 

That,  crucifix  in  hand,  he  landed  there, 

And  with  his  comrades  knelt  awhile  in  prayer, 

Then  rising  said — "  So  flow'ry  are  the  trees, 

And  with  such  fragrance  freighted  is  the  breeze, 

That  I  the  region  Florida  baptize. 

And  may  its  waters  all  rejuvenize." 

He  cruised  for  weeks  along  its  flow'ry  coast, 

But  met  where'er  he  went  an  angry  host, 

Nor  found  the  promised  stream,  nor  golden  ore. 

Though  still  a  garb  of  splendor  Nature  wore. 

"  Alas  !  "  he  cried,  "  that  clime  so  fair  as  this 

*  It  was  Palm  Sunday,  (Pascua  Florida),  March  27,  151 2, 
in  about  thirty  degrees  north  latitude,  and  both  from  this 
circumstance,  and  the  flowery  aspect  of  the  vegetation,  Ponce 
de  Leon  named  the  country  Florida,  its  Indian  name  being 
Cautio.  The  coast  had,  however,  been  discovered  in  1498  by 
Sebastian  Cabot. 


94  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

Contains  not  that  perennial  source  of  bliss — 

The  stream  of  beauty,  and  eternal  life, 

For  which  I've  longed  and  sought  through  toil,  and 

strife. 
A  river  famous  in  barbaric  lore — 
And  which,  if  found,  would  bless  me  evermore — 
Might  fitly  grace  a  paradise  so  bright. 
And  crown  with  glory  all  that  meets  the  sight. 
Oh  !  Life's  Elixir  !     Lives  there  such  a  thing 
To  free  this  body  from  its  mortal  sting  ?  " 
Before  him  in  magnificent  array 
The  earth  revealed  its  splendors  to  the  day ; 
But  vainly  Flora  lavished  all  her  charms. 
And  round  him  threw  her  close-embracing  arms. 
He  sighed  for  something  more  than  she  could  yield, 
And  in  his  thoughts  surveyed  a  wider  field. 
There  the  palmetto,  ever  graceful,  grew, 
And  spread  its  fan-like  leaves  to  catch  the  dew  ; 
The  date-palm's  plumes,  majestic,  waved  on  high. 
And  borrowed  lustre  from  the  beaming  sky  ; 
The  breeze,  the  feather-like  acacias  wooed. 
And  birds,  with  music,  filled  the  solitude  ; 
Magnolias,  with  creamy  blossoms  gay. 
And  glossy  leaves  bedecked,  adorned  the  way ; 
The  guava  and  a     fruit  of  scarlet  hue. 
In  tempting  beauty  blushed  upon  the  view  ; 
Fantastic  moss  in  hoary  ringlets  hung 
From  cedar,  oak,  and  cypress,  while  there  sung 
The  cardinal  and  tropeo,  on  high, 
And  mocking-birds  were  heard  both  far  and  nigh. 
The  fig,  the  lemon,  and  the  peach  displayed 
Their  dainties  in  the  sunlight  and  the  shade  ; 
The  citron  there  exhaled  its  rich  perfume. 
And  roses  seemed  the  pine-woods  to  illume  ; 
The  yellow  chaparelle  there,  too,  was  seen, 
With  the  verbena,  and  the  myrtle,  green, 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  95 

While  eglantine  and  jessamine  were  found 
In  beds  of  blossoms,  carpeting  the  ground. 
A  silent  river  through  the  forest  wound, 
Where  sailed  the  pelican  in  stately  pride, 
Where,  too,  the  milk-white  heron  loved  to  glide, 
And  by  the  reedy  margin  of  its  tide 
The  pink  crane  wandered,  and  the  thirsty  deer 
Came  down  to  drink  ;    and  there  the  waters  clear 
Reflected  them  upon  its  tranquil  breast. 
While  all  around  was  eloquent  of  rest ; 
And  pillowed  on  their  velvet  leaves,  were  spread 
The  graceful  lilies  in  their  liquid  bed. 
The  balmy  air  was  fragrant  of  the  woods ; 
The  sun  bathed  all  the  earth  in  golden  floods; 
The  sky  was  bright,  and  beautiful,  and  blue  ; 
And  when  the  Night  its  sable  mantle  drew 
Across  the  scene,  the  gleaming,  fiery  flies 
Vied  with  the  shooting  stars  before  the  eyes; 
While  brightly  shone  the  placid,  silver  moon, 
As  if  to  rival  Phoebus  at  his  noon. 

IV. 

The  Seminoles  the  pilgrims  forced  to  flee, 

And  Ponce  de  Leon  ranged  again  the  sea, 

The  fabled  river  eager  still  to  find. 

And  fondly  to  the  legend's  falsehood  blind. 

Once  more  his  barks  from  isle  to  isle  careered. 

But  all  in  vain  :  no  wondrous  stream  appeared, 

Nor  Bimini — the  fairy  isle — was  seen. 

Don  Ponce  de  Leon  felt  at  last  shagreen, 

And  back  to  Porto  Rico  made  his  way — 

But  grave  of  mien  where  he  before  was  gay — 

Though  he  a  comrade  bade  the  search  pursue 

Till  that  enchanted  island  met  his  view. 

'T  was  found  ere  long,  but  not  the  stream  of  life. 


96  THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC. 

Delusive  proved  the  stories  that  were  rife. 

'T  was  rich  in  palms,  and  brooks,  and  crystal  springs, 

And  birds  with  golden  breasts  and  scarlet  wings, 

And  all  its  face  was  picturesque,  and  fair, 

But  no  rejuvenizing  stream  was  there. 


De  Leon,  stung  by  disappointment,  sighed 

For  other  lands  to  conquer  ere  he  died, 

But  found  them  not,  and  wounded  felt  his  pride. 

Awhile  he  languished  'mid  the  fragrant  isles, 

And  prayed  in  vain  for  Fortune's  cheering  smiles. 

He  mourned  the  day  he  left  his  native  clime, 

And  uttered  lamentations  time  on  time, 

With  deep  regrets,  and  sad  forebodings,  too, 

For  all  his  thoughts  wore  Melancholy's  hue. 

The  fountain  of  eternal  youth  no  more 

Could  fire  him  with  the  ardent  hopes  of  yore, 

For  bitter  mem'ries  round  the  fable  hung. 

And  he  no  more  to  hopes  delusive  clung. 

He  courted  in  forgetfulness  repose. 

And  felt  that  thorns  grew  even  with  the  rose. 

VI. 

Discouraged,  Ponce  de  Leon  sailed  to  Spain, 
And  honors  from  the  Sovereign  sought  to  gain."* 
Then  he  returned  the  Carib  hosts  to  fight. 
But  Guadaloupe  his  forces  put  to  flight. 
And  he  again  to  Porto  Rico  sped. 
And  then  for  years  a  life  inactive  led, 

*  He  was  made  adelantado  of  Bimini  and  the  supposed 
island  of  Florida,  and  appointed  to  command  a  fleet  of  three 
ships  which  sailed  in  1514  to  destroy  the  Caribs,  who  had  been 
making  descents  on  Porto  Rico. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  97 

Till  Cortez  roused  him  from  his  long  repose, 

And  made  him  long  to  meet  barbaric  foes. 

Once  more  his  eyes  to  Florida  were  turned, 

For,  ripe  for  conquest,  he  for  booty  yearned, 

And  there  he,  now,  the  continent  discerned, 

Though  but  an  isle  he  deemed  the  land  before. 

With  ships  equipped  to  colonize  the  shore. 

And  thoughts  in  realms  of  fancy  prone  to  soar. 

He  westward  sailed,  ambitious  of  renown. 

And  eager  after  laurels  from  the  Crown. 

With  buoyant  hope  he  trod  the  flow'ry  coast. 

And — "  Here  I'll  conquer  !  "  was  his  sanguine  boast. 

The  Seminoles,  howe'er — a  warlike  host — 

Assailed  with  fury  the  invading  band. 

And  wheresoe'er  they  went  along  the  strand 

Thick  flights  of  poisoned  arrows  coursed  the  air, 

And  goaded  Ponce  de  Leon  to  despair. 

A  battle  fierce,  and  bloody,  then  was  fought, 

And  havoc  rude  on  either  side  was  wrought. 

He  saw  his  soldiers  in  the  combat  slain, 

And  "  Jesu  Christo  ! ''  cried  with  sudden  pain 

As  arrow-struck  he — tott'ring — reached  the  ground. 

His  bleeding  vvound  his  faithful  comrades  bound. 

And  bore  him  to  his  waiting  caravel. 

When  to  the  coast  he  bade  a  long  farewell. 

And  sailed  to  Cuba  where  ere  long  he  died 

With  fevered  body,  and  with  humbled  pride — 

A  disappointed,  broken-hearted  man, 

Whose  life  was  measured  by  the  common  span — • 

One  who  had  hoped  to  cheat  the  tyrant  Death, 

But  who  to  Jesus  gave  his  latest  breath — 

A  brave,  chivalrous  knight,  but  proud,  and  vain, 

Who  loved  the  Cross,  and  next  his  native  Spain — 

His  early  fame  eclipsed  by  grander  deeds. 

The  garden  of  his  life  o'errun  with  weeds, 

His  body  poisoned  by  the  arrow's  sting, 

And  no  one  near  him  left,  his  praise  to  sing. 


PART  VI. 

The  Sea  the  Region  of  Romance. 

I. 

The  region  of  romance  was  now  the  sea, 

And  o'er  its  waste  of  waters,  vast,  and  free, 

The  paths  of  glory,  ever  widening,  led. 

And  nations  watched  each  wand'ring  bark  that  sped, 

And  waited  long — unwearied — its  return. 

All  eager  of  the  universe  to  learn — 

The  world  they  saw  expanding  on  their  view. 

Enthusiastic,  wond'ring  Europe  grew. 

II. 

Once  more  Sebastian  Cabot  sailed — with  Pert — * 
Far  western  shores  in  search  of  wealth  to  skirt. 
They  to  Brazilian  waters  ploughed  their  way. 
And  later  steered  to  Porto  Rico's  bay ; 
But  spare  success  their  noble  efforts  crowned, 
Though  in  their  brave  example  England  found 
The  good  which  slowly  ripened  into  deeds. 
They  sowed  of  ocean  enterprise  the  seeds, 
And  Britons  on  the  sea  with  Spaniards  vied, 
And  Albion's  commerce  spread  its  sails  awide. 

III. 

Ambitious  of  renown,  and  golden  ore, 
Velasquez  sent  his  ships  from  Cuba's  shore, 

*  Sir  Sebastian  Cabot,  and  Sir  Thomas  Pert,  sailed  from 
Bristol  in  1516  with  two  ships  fitted  out  by  merchants  of  that 
town,  and  visited  the  coast  of  Brazil  and  touched  at  Hayti  and 
Porto  Rico.  The  voyage  resulted  in  no  profit  to  the  adventur- 
ers,but  it  extended  English  navigation  and  nautical  knowledge. 


THE  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  PACIFIC,  99 

And  with  Cordova — Francis — in  command 

They  steered  by  Yucatan's  inviting  strand, 

Where  erst  had  landed  wrecked  Valdivia's  band  ; 

And  there  he  battled  hard,  but  met  defeat. 

And  to  his  squadron  turned  in  swift  retreat, 

Then  sorely  wounded — back  to  Cuba  sailed, 

And  dying  cried — "  My  enterprise  has  failed." 

Velasquez,  then,  still  other  ships  supplied. 

And  bade  Grijalva  there  his  forces  guide. 

And  he  explored  in  Yucatan  anew, 

And  with  remorseless  arm  the  heathen  slew  ; 

Then  Mexico,  in  sailing  onward,  eyed. 

And,  gazing,  felt  a  first  discov'rer's  pride. 

While  Montezuma's  fame  his  wonder  raised. 

And  all  he  heard  but  left  him  more  amazed. 

He  hastened  back  the  tidings  rare  to  tell. 

And  felt  his  breast  with  aspirations  swell. 

Pinedo  from  Jamaica's  sunny  isle 

Had  sailed,  and  sighted  Mexico,  the  while  ; 

But  he  was  forced  the  angry  shore  to  flee, 

And  seek  a  refuge  on  the  open  sea  ; 

And  of  his  ships  but  one  escaped  the  land. 

And  reached  again  Jamaica's  palmy  strand. 

Of  Mexico,  with  joy,  Velasquez  heard. 

And  with  ambition  soaring  like  a  bird — 

And  by  the  love  of  gold,  and  glory  spurred — 

He  to  Hernando  Cortez,  turning,  said — 

"  Here  go,  my  comrade,  and  the  gospel  spread  ! 

Assail  the  heathen  of  this  savage  shore, 

And  reap  a  harvest  of  their  golden  ore. 

There  plant  the  Cross,  and  gospel  truths  proclaim, 

And  put  the  godless  infidels  to  shame. 

Nor  e'er  return  until  thy  work  is  done. 

And  thou  the  triumph  I  foresee  hast  won." 


BOOK  THE  SECOND. 

THE 
CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO, 

[Period  1519  to  1523]. 


PART  FIRST. 

I. 

The  chivalry  of  ocean  found  its  vent 

In  daring  deeds  along  the  continent, 

And  glory  was  the  Spaniard's  dream  of  hope. 

For  this  the  New  World  gave  unrivalled  scope  : 

This — linked  with  gold — allured  him  far  and  wide, 

A  bold  crusader  o'er  the  ocean's  tide. 

He  lived  for  gold,  for  glory,  and  the  Cross, 

And  all  beside  he  counted  only  dross. 

In  Mexico  Velasquez  viewed  a  prize 

Toward  which  he  looked  with  keen,  and  wistful  eyes, 

And  to  its  shores  his  own  armada  planned — 

An  armament  with  Cortez  in  command — 

He  but  alcalde  of  a  Cuban  town. 

Unknown  to  fame — a  stranger  to  renown, 

Yet  who  was  destined,  soon,  to  win  a  name 

Which  through  Castile  was  greeted  with  acclaim. 

He  well  was  fitted  for  the  pilgrimage. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  loi 

Of  middle  stature  and  nigh  middle  age,  * 

Of  pale  complexion,  with  a  speaking  eye, 

Which  at  a  flash  could  flatter  or  defy  ; 

In  frame  robust,  and  lithe,  and  strong  of  limb. 

His  comrades  found  a  leader  bold  in  him. 

Inured  to  toil,  and  in  privation  schooled. 

No  fitter  chief  could  o'er  his  camp  have  ruled ; 

In  manner  frank,  but  truly  strong  of  will, 

With  warlike  tastes,  and  all  a  soldier's  skill ; 

Not  fond  of  banquets,  nor  yet  prone  to  wine. 

But  proud  of  rank,  and — dress — its  outward  sign, 

And  with  a  hero's  yearning  after  fame — 

For  deeds  of  glory — an  undying  name. 

Such  then  was  Cortez,  ripe  for  dauntless  deeds, 

Whose  motto  was — audacity  succeeds  : 

But  ere  he  sailed  Velasquez  grave  became. 

And  Cortez  held,  for  actions  done,  to  blame, 

And  of  his  course,  too  late,  repented  sore. 

"  I  feel,"  he  cried,  "  in  Cortez  faith  no  more, 

For — daring,  and  ambitious — he  will  soar. 

And  aim  to  rule  where  he  should  strive  to  serve. 

Not  such  as  he  supreme  command  deserve." 

Thus  deeply  jealous,  and  distrustful,  grown, 

He  chose  a  new  commander,  tried  and  known. 

Who'd  labor  well,  nor  for  himself  alone. 

Nor  dare  to  call  the  glory  all  his  own  : 

But  Cortez  from  Saint  Jago  fled  by  night — 

Though  ships  and  crew  were  found  in  sorry  plight — 

And  left  Velasquez  in  a  savage  mood 

O'er  thwarted  plans,  and  blighted  hopes,  to  brood,  t 

*  Hernando  Cortez,  according  to  Gomara,  was  born  at  Ned- 
ellin,  in  Estramadura,  in  1485,  and  was  therefore  between 
thirty-three  and  thirty-four  years  old  when,  in  1519,  he  first 
landed  in  Mexico. 

t  Cortez  sailed,  clandestinely,  early  on  the  morning  of  No- 
vember 18,  1 518,  from  St.  Jago,  Cuba,  with  an  ill-provided  fleet, 


102  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

A  fav'ring  breeze  the  squadron  seaward  bore, 
But  ere  receded  far  the  island's  shore 
Velasquez — from  his  slumbers  roused — appeared, 
And,  on  the  beach,  the  sailing  vessels  neared. 
And  cried  to  Cortez  loudly — "  Come  to  me, 
Nor  dare  in  ships  of  mine  to  put  to  sea ! " 
And  in  the  moonlight  wildly  waved  his  hands, 
And,  with  excited  motions,  trod  the  sands : 
But  Cortez  left  Velasquez  raving  there, 
And  saints,  and  Virgin,  thanked  for  wind  so  fair. 
In  flight  alone,- he  knew,  his  safety  lay. 
*'  'T  would  fatal  be,"  he  murmured,  "  to  obe3^ 
Whate'er  I  have  of  wordly  wealth  is  here, 

for  the  port  of  Macaca,  fifteen  leagues'  distant,  where  he  ob- 
tained supplies  and  additional  volunteers.  Thence  he  sailed 
to  Trinidad,  a  larger  town  on  the  southern  coast  of  Cuba,  and 
secured  fresh  supplies  and  reinforcements,  Cristoval  de  Olid, 
Alonso  de  Avila,  Juan  Velasquez  de  Leon,  and  Gonzalo  de 
Sandoval,  afterward  conspicuous  in  the  Conquest,  among  the 
number.  His  fleet  afterwards  proceeded  to  Havana  with  the 
same  objects  in  view.  Before  he  left  St.  Jago,  however, 
Velasquez,  the  governor  of  the  island,  having  repented  of  ap- 
pointing him  to  the  command  of  the  expedition,  in  vain  tried 
to  arrest  his  departure  and  subsequent  progress.  On  the  loth 
of  February,  1518,  the  squadron,  consisting  of  eleven  sail,  vary- 
ing in  size  from  open  brigantines  to  vessels  of  seventy,  eighty, 
and  a  hundred  tons  burden,  steered  for  Cape  St.  Antonio. 
Landing  there,  Cortez  delivered  a  stirring  address  to  his  fol- 
lowers, and  placing  his  fleet  under  the  protection  of  St.  Peter, 
his  patron  saint,  sailed  on  the  i8th  of  February,  15 19,  for  the 
coast  of  Yucatan.  His  forces  at  the  time  numbered  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  sailors,  and  five  hundred  and  fifty-three  soldiers, 
thirty-two  of  whom  were  cross-bowmen,  and  thirteen  arque- 
busiers.  In  addition  there  were  two  hundred  Cuban  Indians, 
a  few  of  whom  were  women,  designed  to  perform  menial  labor. 
The  expedition  carried  ten  heavy  guns,  four  brass  falconets,  an 
abundant  supply  of  ammunition,  and  sixteen  horses,  the  latter 
of  inestimable  value.  The  expenses  of  the  squadron  prior  to 
its  departure  from  St.  Jago  were  borne  by  Velasquez  and 
Cortez,  who  invested  all  the  moderate  means  at  his  command 
in  the  purchase  of  ships  and  supplies. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  103 

And  death  ashore,  if  I  return,  I  fear." 

Saint  Jago  vanished  slowly  from  the  view, 

And  Cortez  found  his  comrades  stanch,  and  true. 

From  port  to  port  he  sailed  along  the  coast. 

Increasing  as  he  went  his  motley  host — 

A  reckless  band,  crusaders  in  their  type. 

But  all  for  war,  and  wild  adventure,  ripe-, 

And  brigantines  were  added  to  the  fleet. 

While  Cortez  vowed  he'd  ne'er  endure  defeat. 

Ten  fragile  barks,  beside  his  own,  had  he — 

And  o'er  six  hundred  sons  of  chivalry — 

With  which  to  launch  his  fortunes  on  the  sea. 

Velasquez  strove  to  seize  him  as  he  sailed, 

But  all  he  did  to  thwart,  or  capture,  failed. 

Supplied,  and  manned,  from  Cuba  sped  the  ships — 

Each  Spaniard  with  a  prayer  upon  his  lips — 

And  steered  for  Yucatan's  inviting  shore. 

"  Adieu  !  "  said  Cortez,  "  Cuba  evermore  !  " 

II. 

Thus  led  by  greed  of  conquest,  and  of  gain, 
From  Cuba's  isle  he  wooed  the  open  main. 
The  daring  hero,  bent  on  bold  emprise. 
Sailed  full  of  hope,  ambition,  enterprise, 
With  lust  of  wealth,  and  battle,  in  his  eyes. 
But  thus  he  spoke  ere  land  was  left  behind. 
The  closer  to  himself  his  men  to  bind  : — 
"Within  your  reach  a  prize  not  all  of  gold, 
But  gold  and  glory — Comrades — now  behold  ! 
Ere  long  ye'U  be  the  favored  sons  of  Fame 
Who'll  trumpet  to  the  world  each  soldier's  name. 
If  strong  in  faith  ye  bravely  fight  for  Right 
With  Sword,  and  Cross,  against  the  pagan's  might ; 
And  God  against  barbaric  foes  will  shield 
All  ye  who  meet  them  on  the  battle-field ; 


I04  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  riches  yours — whate'er  ye  crave — shall  be, 
And  Spain  will  give  ye  welcome  from  the  sea. 
Extend  ye,  then,  her  sway  o'er  regions  new, 
And  to  yourselves,  and  me,  be  ever  true  !  " 
Then  Mass  was  said ;  Saint  Peter's  aid  was  prayed, 
And  'neath  the  Saint's  protection  all  was  laid. 
Ere  long  a  storm  assailed  his  speeding  fleet. 
When  from  the  blast  he  turned  in  swift  retreat, 
And  in  Cozumel's  island  found  repose, 
Though  there  awhile  beset  by  Indian  foes. 
'T  was  then  he  heard  from  Yucatan  the  news 
That  on  its  coast  had  landed  shipwrecked  crews 
Which  made  him  seek  them  with  exploring  zeal, 
Both  for  their  own,  and  for  their  country's  weal. 
'T  was  there  the  meek  Jeronimo  appeared. 
When  from  his  captors  he  so  gladly  steered. 
In  whom  he  found  a  servant,  and  a  friend — 
One  whose  interpretations  served  an  end 
That  of  itself  to  conquest  paved  the  way, 
And  built  on  Aztec  ruins  Spanish  sway.* 
"  Jeronimo,"  said  Cortez — "  yet  once  more 
Come  spread  the  gospel  on  a  heathen  shore." 

III. 

Along  the  sunny  shore  of  Yucatan 
Intrepid  Cortez  led  the  Spanish  van. 
And  there  he  landed,  fearless  of  his  fate. 
With  music,  banners,  and  the  signs  of  state.* 
The  hills,  and  valleys  bloom,  and  verdure,  wore, 

*  Jeronimo  de  Aguilar  served  as  interpreter  and  ambassa- 
dor to  Cortez  in  Mexico  until  the  final  conquest  of  the  coun- 
try, when  he  was  appointed  regidor  of  the  city  of  Mexico  as  a 
reward  for  the  valuable  services  he  had  rendered. 

*  Cortez  landed  at  the  river  of  Tobasco  on  the  13th  of 
March,  1519. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  105 

And  earth  her  fruits  through  all  the  seasons  bore. 
The  wand'rers  gazed  in  unrestrained  delight, 
And  felt  a  charm  in  all  that  met  the  sight. 
But  warlike  throngs  assailed  them  where  they  stood, 
Then  vanished  in  the  deep  primeval  wood, 
And  Cortez  called  his  troops  at  once  to  arms. 
Who  dwelt  no  longer  on  the  prospect's  charms. 
Canoes  were  marshalled  on  Tobasco's  stream. 
Which  seemed  with  hostile  multitudes  to  teem. 
And  there  in  force  the  Spaniards  found  their  way 
On  foot,  in  boats,  and  mounted  for  the  fray. 
"  Saint  Jago  !  Christo  !  "  Cortez  loudly  cried, 
And  native  blood  the  flowing  river  dyed. 
Then  dusky  legions  fought  with  might  and  main, 
And  grappled  wildly  with  the  boats  of  Spain, 
And  Spaniard  after  Spaniard  there  was  slain. 
While  mother  earth  drank  human  blood  like  rain. 
Both  Infidel,  and  Christian,  dyed  the  sod. 
And  Spanish  lips  were  moved  in  prayer  to  God. 
The  Indian  arrows  bird-like — whizzing — flew, 
And  Spanish  arms  by  thousands  foemen  slew. 
Their  strength  with  guns  the  arrows  tried  in  vain. 
And  when  at  length,  the  horsemen  reached  the  plain, 
And  charged  the  foe  in  battle's  stern  array 
The  native  squadrons  fled — pursued — away. 
For  man  and  horse  seemed  monstrous  to  their  eyes. 
And  roused  alike  their  terror,  and  surprise. 
Believing  both  to  one  existence  wed 
They  felt — nor  strangely — overwhelming  dread. 
For  ne'er  the  horse  had  met  their  view  before, 
Nor  e'er,  till  then,  they'd  heard  the  cannon's  roar. 
They  left  the  Spaniards  victors  in  the  fight, 
And  all  Tobasco  subject  to  their  might. 

Next  morn,  in  cotton  garments  darkly  clad, 
Caziques  approached,  submissive,  meek,  and  sad. 


io6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  prayed  the  boon  of  taking  thence  their  dead. 
O'er  these  a  solemn  Mass  the  Spaniards  said 
When   they — the  chiefs — had  kissed  the  cross  di- 
vine, 
And  of  allegiance  made  a  fitting  sign  : 
And  with  them  twenty  blooming  maids  they  brought, 
As  gifts  to  those  they'd  erst  so  bravely  fought, 
Nor  such  as  these  the  Spaniards  failed  to  win. 
For  they  were  prone  to  sentiment  and  sin; 
But  sighs,  and  tears,  from  breaking  hearts  escaped 
As  there  they  stood  like  statues  all  undraped. 
Ere  from  their  native  land  they  turned  to  go 
Where'er  the  winds  the  Spanish  fleet  might  blow. 

Down  by  the  river  where  the  mangroves  grew, 
Its  ample  shade  a  lordly  ceiba  threw. 
And  here  his  sword  Hernando  Cortez  drew, 
And  with  it  thrice  its  mammoth  trunk  he  smote,    • 
And  thus  the  legend  of  his  conquest  wrote — 
A  conquest  that  was  fast  and  far  to  spread. 
And  fill  an  empire  with  appalling  dread. 

IV. 

Not  long  the  daring  victors  lingered  here, 
But  re-embarked,  their  course  again  to  steer 
Toward  Mexico,  whose  shore  was  blooming  near  ; 
And  soon  San  Juan's  island  met  their  view — * 
Like  some  bright  vision — in  a  sea  of  blue. 
There  Cortez  landed  in  triumphant  mood. 
His  mind  with  conquest,  and  with  prayer,  imbued. 
Before  him  rose  an  empire  vast,  and  great, 
Whose  oracles  had  long  foretold  its  fate — 

*  The  island  of  San  Juan  de  Uloa  nearly  opposite  the  mod- 
ern Vera  Cruz. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  107 

A  pagan  people,  civilized  withal, 
Predestined  by  Invasion's  blight  to  fall. 
Where  this  dark  Egypt  of  the  New  World  lay 
He  saw  bright  promise  of  a  new  Cathay. 

Macaws,  and  parrots,  screamed  among  the  trees, 
And  fragrant  of  the  forest  was  the  breeze ; 
The  dusky  buzzards  flew  in  search  of  prey, 
The  monkeys  climbed,  and  gambolled,  all  the  day ; 
The  luscious  cherimoya  pear-like  hung, 
And  to  the  locust,  passion-flowers  clung ; 
The  yellow  cedar  shed  its  sweet  perfume. 
And  oleanders  stood  arrayed  in  bloom. 
Ananas,  rich  in  scent,  and  gold  and  green, 
With  welcome  fruit  adorned  the  sylvan  scene, 
And  beards  of  moss  festooned  the  lofty  pines, 
While  scarlet  blossoms  beautified  the  vines. 

The  squadron  by  the  isle  at  anchor  lay 

Within  the  shelter  of  a  bending  bay. 

And  high  the  mainland  backed  the  splendid  view 

Beneath  a  beaming  sky  of  azure  hue. 

From  which  canoes,  with  tawny  paddlers,  came 

Attracted  by  the  white  invaders'  fame. 

The  wond'ring  natives  brought  them  fruit  and  gold, 

And  of  their  country,  and  its  marvels,  told. 

And  Cortez  gave  them  trinkets  in  return. 

And  tried  from  these  whate'er  he  could  to  learn. 

Jeronimo  was  versed  in  Mayan  lore,* 

And  knew  the  language  of  the  Mayan  shore. 

But  Aztec  strove  to  comprehend  in  vain. 

And  Cortez  viewed  his  ignorance  with  pain. 

'T  was  then  he  saw  a  houri  on  the  deck 

*  That  part  of  Yucatan  where  Jeronimo  was  wrecked  was 
called  Maya. 


io8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Fall  weeping  on  a  greeting  Aztec's  neck, 
And  utter  words  all  Aztec  like  his  own, 
And  claim  him  one  her  early  youth  had  known 
Ere  bitter  griefs  her  tender  heart  had  wrung. 
Yet  she,  like  him — her  kinsman — still  was  young. 
From  Mexico,  and  home,  she'd  erst  been  torn 
In  Yucatan — a  captive  child — to  mourn. 
Ere  this  her  father — scarce  remembered — died, 
Whose  relict,  then,  became  another's  bride. 
And  bore  a  son  for  whom  her  fondness  grew. 
While  ne'er  for  her — her  daughter — love  she  knew. 
She  stole  for  him  the  wealth  designed  for  her, 
And  av'rice  proved  to  crime  the  ready  spur. 
In  secret  she  was  sent  from  home  away. 
And  sold  to  traders  one  eventful  day. 
While  in  her  stead  her  parent  placed  a  corse, 
And  feigned  distress,  nor  o'er  it  felt  remorse, 
And  called  the  lifeless  form  her  daughter  dead. 
The  child  was  soon  to  far  Tobasco  led,    * 
And  by  the  traders  sold  for  lucre  there. 
A  budding  beauty  she  was,  fresh,  and  fair 
With  winning  eyes,  and  lustrous  raven  hair. 
And  fairy  form,  and  winsomeness  of  face, 
And  movements  witching  in  their  artless  grace. 
She  fascinated  Cortez  by  her  charms, 
And  wished  success,  and  glory,  to  his  arms. 
He  felt  that  here  indeed  he  held  a  prize, 
And  on  her  features  cast  admiring  eyes, 
And  deemed  she'd  prove,  whate'er  betided,  true. 
She  spoke  the  Aztec,  and  the  Mayan,  too. 
And  eager  seemed  an  active  part  to  play, 
And,  as  his  own  interpreter,  obey. 
While  in  the  priest  Jeronimo  of  Spain 
Was  one  to  whom  the  Mayan  tongue  was  plain. 
Through    strange    adventures   thus    the    maid    had 
passed 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  109 

To  reach  again  her  native  land  at  last. 
Thenceforth  Marina — so  by  Cortez  named — 
The  Spaniards  served,  and  lived  both   loved  and 
famed. 


When  to  the  neighb'ring  coast  the  squadron  sailed, 
With  plenty  there  the  troops  were  all  regaled  ; 
And  there  they  camped  'tween  sea,  and  mountain- 
land — 
Out  on  a  level  plain  with  hills  of  sand, 
And  all  around  them  picturesque,  and  grand. 
Before  them  nightly  flashed  the  gleaming  flies — 
Like  fiery  phantoms — dazzling  to  their  eyes, 
While  humming-birds,  and  butterflies  by  day, 
With  gaudy  flashes,  made  the  prospect  gay. 
There  sang  the  tropeo  his  joyous  lay. 
And  piped  the  oriole  his  roundelay. 
While  sky  and  ocean  blended  far  away. 
Ere  long  they  called  their  camping-ground  a  town, 
The  Vera  Cruz  that  since  has  won  renown. 
The  natives  marvelled  more  than  e'er  before. 
And  daily  thronged  to  see  them  on  the  shore. 
While    from   their   sov'reign   gifts,    and   greetings, 

came, 
By  noble  envoys  known  to  Aztec  fame. 
Great  Montezuma  in  his  native  vale 
Had  heard  with  wonder  of  these  wand'rers  pale, 
These  bearded  strangers  from  a  land  unknown. 
Whose    ships   by    winds   o'er   ocean's   breast    were 

blown. 
And,  half  in  fear,  their  friendship  sought  to  gain, 
Yet  begged  them  soon  again  to  sail  the  main. 
For  from  Tobasco  tidings  grave  had  he 
Of  these  intrepid  rovers  of  the  sea. 


no  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Time  fled,  and  there  the  Spaniards  lingered  still 

Though  much  against  proud  Montezuma's  will. 

Yet  gifts  again  by  noble  hands  he  sent 

With  kindly  words  of  Aztec  compliment, 

For  he  to  win  them  o'er  from  wrath  was  bent, 

But  prayed  they'd  soon  be  gone,  the  daring  band. 

Nor  venture  more  to  spy  the  Aztec  land, 

And  desecrate  the  soil  oe'r  which  he  reigned — 

A  soil  till  now  by  strangers  unprofaned. 

No  nearer  they  to  where  he  dwelt  could  draw, 

Nor  linger  longer,  by  his  country's  law. 

The  wily  Cortez  heard  the  envoys  through. 

And  then  replied  "  Believe  my  friendship  true. 

Nor  e'er  my  advent  here  you'll  live  to  rue  ; 

But  I  would  fain  a  realm  so  wondrous  view, 

And  to  your  sovereign  pav  the  rev'rence  due. 

A  monarch  truly  great,  I  hear,  is  he. 

And  gladly  I'd  his  court  and  person,  see, 

So,  with  the  help  of  God,  I'll  onward  press. 

And  trust  that  He  the  enterprise  will  bless." 

Then  all  the  Spaniards  to  the  tolling  bell 

On  bended  knees  in  deep  devotion  fell. 

Before  the  Cross  they  asked  Almighty  aid. 

To  execute  the  plans  their  chief  had  made, 

To  give  them  strength,  and  weaken  all  their  foes, 

And  leave  them  at  the  mercy  of  their  blows. 

Faint  on  the  air  their  supplications  rose. 

The  envoys  looked  in  wonder  on  the  scene 

With  placid  but  a  strange  inquiring  mien. 

Then  priests,  and  Cortez,  told  by  word  and  sign, 

The  story  of  the  Christian  faith,  divine, 

And  deeper  still  barbaric  wonder  grew 

Ere  to  the  camp  the  envoys  bade  adieu. 

Still  later  chiefs  from  Cempoalla  came 
Attracted  by  the  pale  invaders'  fame, 


THE  CONQ  VEST  OF  MEXICO.  1 1 1 

And  told  how  they  were  Aztecs  but  by  name, 
A  tribe  subdued  by  Montezuma's  hosts, 
Which  overran  their  valleys,  and  their  coasts. 
Totonacs,  they  were  rich  in  ancient  lore, 
And  sighed  for  independence  as  of  yore. 
"Our  lord  at  Cempoalla  dwells,"  said  they, 
"  And  fain  would  see  you  thither  take  your  way, 
Where  gardens  blush  with  roses  all  the  day. 
And  orchard-trees  with  fruit,  and  bloom,  are  gay." 

VI. 

Time  passed  away,  and  Cortez  lingered  still 

Though  much  against  the  Aztec  monarch's  will ; 

But  o'er  his  fortunes  oft  the  leader  sighed. 

For  he  his  ranks  contention  saw  divide. 

In  insubordination  troops  arose. 

And,  erst  his  friends,  became  his  open  foes. 

The  cry  was — "  Back  to  Cuba  we'll  repair. 

For  well  may  we  of  conquest  here  despair," 

But  Cortez  said — "  The  enterprise  is  grand  ; 

Why  leave  behind  so  rich,  and  fair,  a  land 

With  riches — mark  me  !  Comrades — close  at  hand  ? 

With  trust  in  God,  and  courage,  strong  are  we. 

Why  back  to  Cuba,  then,  despairing,  flee  ? 

Dispel  your  fears,  and  bravely  follow  me  !  " 

Their  courage  rose,  their  clamors  died  away, 

And  all  resolved  in  Mexico  to  stay. 

They  laid  their  plans  to  colonize  the  shore, 

And  faith  in  Cortez  as  their  captain  swore. 

And  Villa  Rica  *  where  they  camped  they  named, 

And  all  the  region  for  their  monarch  claimed. 

Ere  long  howe'er  a  fairer  spot  they  chose 

*  The  full  name  was  Villa  Rica  de  Vera  Cruz — the  Wealthy 
Town  of  the  True  Cross. 


112  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Where  they  the  camp  could  screen  from  native  foes, 

And  where  the  ships  would  find  a  sheltered  bay, 

And  all  the  beach  was  like  a  sandy  quay  : 

So  to  the  north  careered  the  Spanish  fleet 

From  winds,  and  waves,  to  seek  the  calm  retreat, 

While  Cortez  with  his  men — a  martial  host — 

Marched  full  in  view  along  the  shelving  coast 

Where  Orizaba  in  the  distance  rose, 

Its  summit  hoary  vi^ith  eternal  snows, 

With  mountains  massed — a  rugged  chain — below, 

Bathed  in  the  shining  sun's  resplendent  glow. 

O'er  dreary  plains  for  miles  the  army  toiled. 

And  time  on  time  from  grim  remains  recoiled. 

Where  men  had  erst  in  sacrifice  been  slain 

Within  the  portals  of  some  Aztec  fane. 

The  Spaniards  gazed — astounded — on  the  sight, 

And  vowed  to  shed  the  gospel's  holy  light 

This  deep,  barbaric  darkness  to  dispel, 

And  of  a  purer  faith — the  Christian's — tell. 

But  from  a  sandy  waste  to  living  green 

Ere  long,  by  Cempoalla,  changed  the  scene. 

The  country,  far  and  near,  was  grand  to  view, 

And  all  the  sky  a  bright,  and  mottled,  blue. 

Its  sweeping  sides  the  Andes  baring  still. 

While  nearer — seaward — hill  succeeded  hill. 

All  clothed  with  vegetation  flecked  with  bloom, 

Which  on  the  balmy  air  exhaled  perfume. 

Each  glance  disclosed  new  beauties  to  the  eye 

Down  from  the  peaks  that  pierced  the  azure  sky 

To  where  the  spreading  sea,  with  glitt'ring  breast. 

Lay — type  of  God's  immensity — at  rest. 

Here  Nature's  face  was  wondrous  fair  and  bright, 

And  of  itself  existence  seemed  delight. 

With  light  festoons  the  stately  trees  were  gay, 

And  these  with  ev'ry  breeze  were  prone  to  play. 

While  Flora  painted  earth  with  colors  gay, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  113 

And  purple  grapes  were  clustered  on  the  vines — 

Which  wove  on  high  their  intersecting  lines — 

And  honeysuckles  clambered  up  the  pines. 

The  prickly  aloe,  and  the  rose,  were  twined 

With  vegetation  of  a  kindred  kind, 

A  rich,  and  tropic,  undergrowth  around. 

And  fadeless  green  to  beautify  the  ground. 

In  herds  the  timid  deer  were  seen  to  run, 

And  parrots  flashed,  while  flaying,  in  the  sun. 

Sweet     warbling     notes     by     mocking-birds     were 

trilled, 
Whose  woodland  songs  the  gorgeous  forest  filled, 
And  cardinals,  with  scarlet  plumage  bright. 
Made  vocal  sounds  from  early  morn  till  night. 
The  cocoa-palms  were  bending  with  their  fruit. 
And  tall  bamboos  returned  their  proud  salute, 
While  turkeys,  wild,*  and  pheasants,  sought  their 

shade. 
Or  basked,  and  chattered,  in  the  leafy  glade, 
And  stately  cottonwood,  and  almond-trees 
Soft  whispers  uttered  in  the  idle  breeze, 
Cacaos  f  with  their  red  and  golden  pods — 
Rich  theobromas  bearing  food  for  gods — 
And,  with  their  snowy  blossoms,  thickly  flecked, 
Rose  in  the  shade,  with  purple  leaves  bedecked. 
While,  tall  and  straight,  organos  tapered  there, 
And  on  the  hillsides  bloomed  the  prickly  pear. 
The  cotton-plant  its  bursting  bolls  revealed, 
And  golden  maize  adorned  the  open  field. 
While  fell  tobacco's  large  and  lustrous  leaf — 
Whose  fumes  imparted  solace,  and  relief. 
Long  ere  the  conquest,  to  the  Aztec  race — 
Disclosed  its  vivid  green  with  bending  grace. 

*  The  turkey  was  first  introduced  into  Europe  from  Mexico, 
t  Chocolate-trees.    Pronounce  Ka-ka'os. 


114  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

With  long,  coarse  leaves  the  juicy  maguey  grew, 
A  plant  from  which  the  natives  nectar  drew. 
Whose  sap — fermented — into  pulque  turned, 
And  few  were  they  who  ne'er  for  this  had  yearned, 
For  in  the  cup  intoxication  lurked, 
And,    through    the    brain    a   strange    enchantment 

worked.* 
'Twas  to  the  Aztecs  an  exciting  wine. 
And  in  the  aloe  they  beheld  their  vine. 
While  now,  as  then,  the  fluid  freely  flows. 
Where  in  Mexico  the  aloe  grows. 
It  spreads  its  poison  o'er  the  hapless  clime, 
And  stimulates  to  vice,  and  deeds  of  crime. 

VII. 

The  town  of  Cempoalla  met  the  sight. 

Its  temples,  and  its  dwelling-places  white. 

Of  sun-dried  brick,  and  sandy  stone  were  they, 

And  thatched  with  palm-leaves,  bleached  to  sober 

gray. 
Young  maidens  came  to  greet  the  Spaniards  there, 
And  with  their  songs  of  welcome  filled  the  air. 
And  on  their  leader's  helmet  chaplets  hung. 
And  in  their  native  tongue  his  praises  sung. 
They  lavished  roses  on  his  charger,  too, 
And  floral  favors  to  the  soldiers  threw. 
While  picturesque,  and  fair,  were  they  to  view. 
They,  like  their  swains,  in  cotton  robes  were  clad. 

*The  sap  of  the  maguey,  or  great  aloe,  was  gathered  by 
cutting  off  the  centre  shoot  of  the  plant,  in  the  hollow  of 
which  it  formed  a  basin,  holding  about  a  pint.  This  filled  two 
or  three  times  a  day,  and  was  drawn  off  by  mouth  suction, 
through  a  reed,  and  after  being  discharged  into  a  skin,  or 
other  vessel,  was  allowed  to  ferment,  when  it  became  pulque. 
The  custom  still  prevails. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  115 

And  seemed,  to  meet  the  mailed  invaders,  glad. 
In  ears  and  nostrils,  rings  of  gold  they  wore. 
Which  all  could  see  were  made  of  golden  ore. 
On  these  the  Spaniards  cast  their  eager  eyes, 
And  in  each  jewelled  maid  beheld  a  prize. 
They  marvelled  much  a  cultured  race  to  find. 
And  deemed  for  this  they'd  been  by  God  designed. 

Through  Cempoalla's  narrow  streets  they  passed 
When  from  their  trumpets  rang  a  martial  blast. 
The  chieftain  met  them  as  became  a  brave 
With  friendly  motives,  but  with  features  grave. 
And  entertained  with  native  fare  the  troops, 
Who  broke  from  solid  columns  into  groups. 
Their  captain  to  the  native  leader  turned, 
And  from  his  lips  the  nation's  story  learned. 
fie  told  how  weak  was  Montezuma's  sway. 
And  how  he  longed  to  see  it  swept  away, 
A  feeling  o'er  the  country  thousands  shared. 
Though  none  their  discontent  to  whisper  dared. 
Here  Cortez  found  to  great  success  the  key. 
And  murmured  "  Jesus  !  help  I  ask  of  Thee  ! 
Let  Montezuma's  foes  in  strength  arise. 
And  strive  the  Spanish  arms  to  aggrandize 
That  we  may  thus  the  land  evangelize. 
Though  yet  we've  scarce  the  noble  work  begun, 
By  Grace  divine  the  prize  will  soon  be  won. 
Against  itself  divided  what  can  stand  ? 
1  trust,  O  Lord  !  to  Thy  protecting  hand  1  " 

VIIL 

Four  leagues  from  Cempoalla  northward  lay 
The  chosen  spot,  and  deep  but  sheltered,  bay. 
So  Cortez  onward  soon  resumed  his  way, 
While  Cempoalla's  braves  his  burdens  bore 


ii6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

To  where  the  ships  were  anchored  off  the  shore. 
There  Cempoalla's  lord  was  borne  in  state 
With  all  the  pomp  environing  the  great, 
And  while  he  lingered  with  the  Spaniards  there 
Within  a  native  market-place  or  square, 
They  saw  approach  them  men  of  high  degree. 
Who  said — "  We  come  Totonac's  chief  to  see." 
Then  when  they  reached  his  palanquin  they  bowed 
But  with  the  air  of  equals — great,  and  proud — 
And  spoke  in  tones  of  censure,  and  command — 
"Why  treat  you  thus  the  strangers  in  the  land 
When  Montezuma  bids  them  leave  the  strand  ? 
We  twenty  men,  and  maids,  for  this  demand, 
And  these  ere  long — a  sacrifice — shall  die  ! 
Henceforth  to  Spaniards  all  relief  deny  !  " 
The  chief  prepared  the  mandate  to  obey, 
But  Cortez,  when  he  heard  it,  bade  him  stay, 
And  seize  the  nobles  ere  they  went  away, 
And  this,  though  with  reluctance,  soon  was  done. 
On  these  as  captives  sank,  that  day,  the  sun, 
But,  ere  the  night  succeeding  quite  had  flown, 
Hernando  sought  these  envoys  from  the  throne, 
And  o'er  their  plight  distress  was  quick  to  feign. 
And  said —  "  I'll  see  your  freedom  you  regain. 
Go  tell  your  monarch  he's  a  friend  in  me. 
And  that,  ere  long,  I  hope  his  face  to  see, 
For  which  I've  journeyed  far  across  the  sea. 
Totonac's  braves  would  slay  you  where  you  lie, 
But  from  their  wrath,  in  secret,  you  shall  fly. 
The  time  has  come  for  hasty  flight. — Good-bye  !  " 
Thus  Cortez  sought  their  monarch's  smiles  to  win, 
And  on  Totonac  throw  the  weight  of  sin. 
Against  her  Montezuma's  ire  he'd  raise, 
And  both  in  turn,  to  serve  his  purpose,  praise. 
For  with  Totonac,  and  the  monarch,  foes. 
He  saw  his  way  to  strike  triumphant  blows. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  117 

The  morrow  found  Totonac  wrapped  in  gloom, 

Her  people  apprehensive  of  their  doom, 

For  Montezuma's  wrath  was  feared  by  all. 

"  No  harm  on  you,"  said  Cortez,  "  here  shall  fall. 

Embrace  the  Cross  ;  allegiance  own  to  Spain, 

And  Montezuma's  rage  shall,  then,  be  vain." 

With  one  accord  Totonacs  bowed  the  knee, 

And  sought  in  these  invaders  from  the  sea 

A  shield  from  Montezuma's  scourging  hand. 

Thus  rent  in  twain  the  Spaniards  saw  the  land. 

The  while  his  nobles  toward  the  monarch  sped 

As  from  Totonac — halting  ne'er — they  fled — 

With  glances  backward,  still  pursued  by  Fear, 

And  told  their  tale  in  Montezuma's  ear. 

With  anger  flashed  his  black,  and  lustrous  eyes. 

And  all  his  features  spoke  his  great  surprise, 

But  fear  amid  his  indignation  rose, 

And,  timid  still,  a  peaceful  part  he  chose. 

Once  more  he  sent  ambassadors  in  state 

On  Cortez,  and  his  warlike  band  to  wait, 

And  bid  them  on  his  shores  no  more  delay, 

Nor  hesitate  his  mandate  to  obey. 

And  as  a  golden  bribe,  in  peace,  to  go — 

For  friendship  toward  them  still  he  aimed  to  show — 

He  sent  them  other  presents,  rich,  and  rare. 

Which  only  laid  his  wealth,  and  weakness,  bare, 

And  made  the  Spaniards  as  they  eyed  them  swear 

They'd  march  ere  long  to  conquest,  or  would  die 

Beneath  the  splendors  of  that  glowing  sky. 

To  Cempoalla's  lord  the  monarch  sent 

A  message  grave,  and  solemn  in  intent, 

With  threats,  and  warnings  for  his  guilty  course — 

His  blind  adherence  to  a  hostile  force. 

But  ill  Totonac's  troubled  chief  could  bow 

To  aught  beside  the  fierce  invaders  now. 


Ii8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Disposed  to  please,  eight  damsels  lie  bestowed 

On  those  who — in  command — with  Cortez  rode. 

All  chieftains'  daughters,  richly  clad  were  they, 

With  female  slaves  to  fan  them  as  they  lay. 

"  But  these,"  said  Cortez,  "  Spaniards  ne'er  can  wed 

Till  to  the  Christian  altar  they've  been  led, 

And  been,  with  water,  there  baptized,  and  named, 

And,  in  the  faith,  with  solemn  pomp  proclaimed; 

Nor  yet  till  all  your  gods  are  overthrown, 

And  in  their  stead  the  Cross  your  priests  enthrone, 

And  till  your  shrines  are,  with  your  idols,  waste. 

And  by  the  Virgin  and  the  Child  replaced  !  " 

"  Baptize,  and  name,"  Totonac's  chief  replied, 

"  But  in  our  temples  let  our  gods  abide. 

The  Cross,  with  these,  we'll  worship  day  by  day. 

And,  like  yourselves,  before  your  emblem  pray." 

The  Spaniards  felt  the  spur  of  Christian  zeal, 

And  gave  the  cry  of  "  Jesus,  and  Castile ! " 

And  marched  to  Cempoalla's  grandest  fane, 

And  called  on  Christ  to  bless  the  cause  of  Spain, 

Then  moving  forward  tore  the  idols  down. 

And     cried     aloud — "  Huzzah !     for    Cross,      and 

Crown !  " 
To  arms  Totonac's  chieftain  called  the  town, 
And  sudden  sounds  of  tumult  filled  the  air. 
The  priests — Totonacs — wailed,  and  tore  their  hair, 
And  uttered  frantic  protests  all  in  vain. 
The  fiery  Spaniards  met  them  with  disdain. 
Then  Cortez  captive  made  the  great  cazique. 
And  bade  him  words  to  calm  his  warriors  speak. 
Exclaiming — "If  Totonac  strikes  a  blow 
I  Your  blood  in  expiation  here  shall  flow. 
Remember  Montezuma  is  your  foe. 
And  if  you  forfeit  Spain's  protection,  lo ! 
Your  land  will  know  the  bitterness  of  woe  ! " 
"The  gods,"  he  cried,  with  anguish  in  his  face, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  1 19 

"  Will  soon  avenge  their  horrible  disgrace," 
And  then  he  mourned  o'er  all  his  people's  loss. 
No  blow  was   struck.     The    Spaniards   raised   the 

Cross, 
And  where  Totonac's  idols  erst  had  been 
The  Virgin  Mary  and  the  Child  were  seen. 
A  long  procession,  bearing  lights,  was  formed, 
And  Mass  the  priest — Olmedo — there  performed, 
When  Cortez  set  the  captive  chieftain  free. 
And  cried — "  Triumphant  thus  we'll  ever  be  !  " 
The  people  deemed  their  gods  were  weak  indeed 
When  strangers  thus  coftld  break  them  like  a  reed. 
And  of  the  Spaniards  greater  grew  their  fear. 
^'A  Christian  shrine  I  leave,"  said  Cortez,  "  here, 
And  pray  you'll  learn  its  teachings  to  revere. 
You'll  find  in  me — Totonacs  all — a  friend, 
Who'll  fight  your  rights,  and  dwellings,  to  defend 
If  ye  but  prove  to  all  your  pledges  true," 
And,  then,  to  Cempoalla  bade  adieu. 
The  Bible,  and  the  sword,  went  hand  in  hand 
Where'er  the  stern  invaders  trod  the  land. 
*Fast  Villa  Rica,  labor-planted,  grew. 
And  in  its  midst  a  chapel  met  the  view. 
It  formed  the  centre  of  a  fruitful  plain 
Where  summer  seemed  eternally  to  reign. 
And  walls,  and  ramparts,  all  around  it  rose 
To  bid  defiance  to  aggressive  foes. 
There  native  thousands  toiled  from  day  to  day — 
The  while  submissive  to  the  Spaniard's  sway — 
And  looked  on  Montezuma  as  their  bane. 
And  welcomed  in  their  midst  invasion's  reign. 
They  gladly  saw  beneath  their  native  sky 


*The  spot  selected  for  the  future  town  of  Villa  Rica  de  Vera 
Cruz  is  called  Quiabislan  by  Solis  and  Robertson,  and 
Chiahuitztla  by  Prescott. 


1 20  THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  MEXICO. 

The  city's  walls,  and  turrets,  rising  high, 

And  hoped  therein  protection  long  to  find 

From  all  who  ill  to  them  and  theirs  designed, 

Ne'er  thinking  it  a  harbinger  of  woe, 

And  that  one  arm  would  crush  both  friend  and  foe. 

With  all  their  ancient  glory  trampled  low. 

"  'T  is  time,"  said  Cortez,  "  now  to  write  to  Spain, 

The  Crown's  approval  of  my  acts  to  gain, 

For  well  I  know  Velasquez  is  my  foe. 

Who'll  strive  where'er  he  can,  to  drag  me  low, 

And  fain  would  consummate  my  overthrow. 

I'll  all  the  tidings  glad  my  sov'reign  tell. 

And  show  iVe  served  my  native  country  well.* 

I'll  send  him  all  the  treasure  that  I've  stored — 

Yes  all  my  own,  and  comrades',  glitt'ring  hoard, — 

And  not  his  meed — the  royal  fifth — alone, 

For  this  would  scarce  add  lustre  to  the  throne, 

Or  well  befit  an  enterprise  so  grand. 

Let  Spain  behold  the  riches  of  the  land ! 

Velasquez,  then,  will  strive  to  thwart  in  vain. 

For  in  the  hearts  of  Spaniards  I  shall  reign  !  " 

Each  man  of  all  his  soldiers  gave  his  share 

When  Cortez  said — "Awhile  from  wealth  forbear 

That  we  may  reap,  as  heroes,  great  renown, 

And  win  unfading  laurels  from  the  Crown." 

The  wealth  they'd  won  they  yielded  for  applause — 

To  glorify  their  enterprising  cause — 

And  labored  on  with  self-denying  zeal, 

Their  motto — "  Gold,  and  glory,  and  Castile  !  " 

Ere  long  the  ship  they  freighted  passed  from  view, 
And  Cortez  cried  with  eyes  bedewed — "  Adieu  !  " 

*  In  allusion  to  the  first  letter  of  Cortez.  which  was  undoubt- 
edly written,  but  cannot  be  found. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  121 

Four  Aztec  braves  had  joined  her  Spanish  crew, 
And  welcome  gave  each  seaward  wind  that  blew. 
No  dread  of  leaving  home,  and  kin,  had  they, 
But  eager  felt  to  wend  their  wat'ry  way, 
Athirst  to  see  the  wonders  of  the  world. 
Ere  long  in  Spain  they  saw  her  canvas  furled. 

IX. 

Some  still  there  were  who  o'er  their  lot  repined     / 
And  crafty  flight  from  Aztec  shores  designed. 
But  Cortez  foiled  them  ere  they  left  the  shore, 
When  some  were  maimed  and  some  were  seen  no 

more. 
"The  day,"  said  he,  "for  cowards'  plots  is  o'er. 
For  mark  me  close  to  all  escape  the  door. 
By  stratagem  I'll  sink  my  floating  fleet. 
And  those  who  can  may  then,  by  sea,  retreat." 
Cut  off  were  they — his  comrades — at  a  blow, 
And  down  their  features  tears  were  seen  to  flow 
When  first  the  startling  tidings  reached  their  ears, 
And  kindled  in  their  breasts  appalling  fears. 
While  indignation  mingled  with  their  woe. 
How  now  to  home,  and  country,  could  they  go 
With  ne'er  a  caravel  to  seaward  sail  ? 
How  now  could  they  to  reap  disaster  fail  1 
Their  murmurs,  discontent,  and  grief,  were  great. 
And  all  on  Cortez  vented  rage,  and  hate. 
The  stoutest  hearts  before  the  prospect  quailed. 
And  with  dismay  their  dismal  lot  bewailed. 
His  danger  Cortez  knew,  but  calmly  stood. 
And  tried  to  soothe  the  anger  in  their  blood, 
And  win  them  by  Persuasion's  gentle  art. 
Afraid,  as  yet,  to  play  a  bolder  part. 
"  The  ships  destroyed  are  mine,"  said  he,  "  alone, 
And  these  unfit  to  sail  the  sea  had  grown, 


122  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

While  by  their  loss  a  hundred  men  we  gain — 
Who've — guarding  these — been    stationed   by    the 

main — 
To  join  us  here,  and  swell  our  marching  train. 
To  look  for  succor  e'er  from  ships  how  vain 
When  far  behind  we've  left  the  murm'ring  sea. 
Let  all  resolve  from  foeinen  ne'er  to  flee  ! 
To  contemplate  escape  would  woo  defeat, 
And  cowards  only  deem  that  flight  is  sweet." 
His  arguments  impressed  his  hearers  well, 
And  made  their  breasts  with  rising  courage  swell. 
Resentment  fast,  like  morning  vapor,  fled 
When,  sun-like,  Hope  its  cheering  radiance  shed, 
And  few  were  they  who,  then,  denied  him  wise. 
Though  keen  regrets  expressed  themselves  in  sighs. 
"  My  firm  resolve,"  said  Cortez,  to  his  band, 
"  Is  here  to  die,  or  conquer  all  the  land. 
Our  hearts  with  hopes  delusive  ships  would  buoy, 
And  so,  a  spirit  whispered  'These  destroy;' 
No  refuge  ours  if  we  defeated  be, 
But  conquest  waits  on  all  who  follow  me  ! " 
His  comrades,  warming,  cried  "To  Mexico  ! — 
To  Mexico — with  willing  hearts — we'll  go !  " 


PART  SECOND. 

I. 

From  Villa  Rica's  walls  the  march  began 

With  Cortez,  gayly  mounted,  in  the  van. 

Four  hundred  Spaniards,  and  a  group  of  steeds- 

With  food,  and  powder,  to  supply  their  needs. 

And  loaded  guns,  and  music  in  the  air, 

And  on  the  lips  of  each  a  whispered  prayer — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  123 

Composed  the  martial  host  that  moved  away — 

A  glitt'ring  line — one  sunny  August  day.* 

Their  comrades  left  behind  to  guard  the  town 

Cried  "  On  ye  ne'er  may  Fortune  cast  a  frown," 

And  valiant  Escalante,  in  command, 

Said — "  Here    till    glory     crowns    our     work    I'll 

stand  1 " 
The  troops  at  Cempoalla  paused  for  rest, 
And  once  again  with  garlands  these  were  dressed 
By  maiden  hands,  ambitious  but  to  please. 
While  roses  gave  their  fragrance  to  the  breeze. 
But  tidings  came  that  ships  were  hov'ring  near, 
And  Cortez  of  Velasquez  felt  in  fear. 
To  Villa  Rica's  beach  he  hastened  back 
Prepared  to  welcome  friends,  or  foes  attack, 
And  saw  the  squadron  sailing  by  the  shore. 
But  these  no  evil  sign  about  them  bore. 
And  to  the  strand  a  boat  with  Spaniards  came 
Who  told  they'd  gold,  and  glory,  for  their  aim, 
And  from  Jamaica's  isle  had  ploughed  their  way — 
Commissioned  to  explore,  by  Don  Garay — f 
And  Cortez,  and  his  comrades,  warned  away. 
But  he  the  boat,  and  Spaniards,  captive  made. 
And  plans  to  capture  all  the  squadron  laid, 
When  those  on  board  perceiving  peril  nigh 
Bade  Vera  Cruz,  ere  fell  the  night,  good-bye. 
Then  back  to  Cempoalla  Cortez  rode, 
While  in  his  eyes  his  burning  ardor  glowed, 


♦The  horses  referred  to  numbered  fifteen  and  the  field- 
pieces  seven. 

t  Francisco  de  Garay,  governor  of  Jamaica,  who  had 
eq^uipped  four  vessels  at  his  own  expense  to  make  discov- 
eries, Spain  having  previously  given  him  authority  over  any 
new  lands  he  might  discover. 


124  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  Sandoval,  and  Alvarado,  *  cried — 
"  We  welcome  thee  compatriot,  and  guide  !  " 
The  morning  showed  the  march  again  begun. 
And  arms,  and  armor,  glistened  in  the  sun. 
While  Cempoalla's  sons  advanced  in  line — 
Two  thousand  strong — the  whole  a  pageant  fine.t 
"  On  !  "   Cortez  cried,  with  pleasure  in  his  glance, 
And  waving  in  the  air  a  Spanish  lance, 
"  On  !  comrades,  on  !  to  Mexico  we  go. 
And  soon  we'll  leave  the  tropic  plain  below, 
And  cross  the  heights  that  yonder  court  the  sky, 
W^ith  hearts  courageous,  and  our  trust  on  High. 
We  march  beneath  the  Saviour's  guiding  eye. 
And  wheresoe'er  we  meet  with  heathen  foes 
We'll — God  assisted — strike  triumphant  blows. 
The  ancient  Romans  great  achievements  wrought, 
And  battles  oft  victoriously  fought, 
But  greater  deeds  than  ancient  Rome  could  boast 
Will  shed  their  lustre  on  our  Christian  host. 
We'll  fight  for  gold,  for  glory,  and  the  Cross, 
And  all  our  gain  will  prove  but  Satan's  loss ! 
No  refuge  save  our  arms,  and  Christ,  have  we, 
But  one  continued  triumph  I  can  see. 
On  !  on  !  my  comrades,  on  !  to  Victory  !  '^ 
"  We'll  all  obey !  "  with  one  accord  they  cried, 
"  And  conquest's  ours  with  Jesus  on  our  side. 
We'll  follow  on  where'er  you  choose  to  lead. 
The  Christian's   arms   must — God    sustained — suc- 
ceed ! " 
Here  in  a  land  of  beauty  flashed  their  steel, 

*  The  two  officers  whom  he  had  left  in  command  of  the 
troops  at  Cempoalla. 

t  The  march  from  Cempoalla  toward  the  City  of  Mexico 
began  on  August  i6,  1519,  and  1,300  Indian  warriors,  and 
1,000  tamanes,  or  porters,  to  drag  the  guns,  and  carry  the  bag- 
gage, accompanied  the  little  army  led  by  Cortez. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  125 

Where  the  vanilla,  and  the  cochineal 

Were  native  to  the  clime,  and  flowers  bloomed 

The  seasons  through,  and  all  the  air  perfumed ; 

Where  fruits  in  one  unbroken  circle  grew. 

And,  gay  with  scarlet  plumes,  flamingoes  flew; 

Where  insects  with  enamelled  wings  were  seen 

That  flashed  like  diamonds  on  the  sunlit  scene. 

Here,  climbing  up  the  mountains'  sweeping  slope, 

Their  hearts  were  light  with  rapture-kindling  hope, 

And  when  Xalapa's  city  met  their  gaze 

They  murmured  to  their  Maker  words  of  praise, 

And  looked  upon  the  paradise  below 

With  eyes  that  seemed  with  ardor  keen  to  glow, 

Its  silver  streams,  its  woods,  and  meadows  green, 

All  warmly  bathed  in  bright  Apollo's  sheen, 

With  here  and  there  a  village  like  a  gem 

Set,  clear  and  sparkling,  in  a  diadem, 

While  on  the  far  horizon,  lo !  a  line 

Told  of  eternal  ocean's  restless  brine 

Beyond  which  home,  and  kindred,  distant  lay. 

Who'd  see  them  e'er  again  ?     Ah,  who  could  say  ? 

Above,  there  swelled  the  grand,  and  steep  ascent 

O'er  which  the  army's  rugged  way  was  bent. 

Far  on  the  right  Sierra  Madre  rose — 

Its  summit  whitened  by  a  wreath  of  snows — 

Girt  with  a  belt  of  low,  and  sombre,  pines, 

And  dusky  hills  in  long  uneven  lines. 

While  in  the  south,  alone  and  far  away, 

The  mighty  Orizaba,  dark,  and  gray. 

In  grandeur  rose — a  thing  sublime — on  high, 

And  like  a  giant  spectre  pierced  the  sky. 

II. 

Still  up  the  mountain  slope  the  army  wound — 
And  food  for  thought  where'er  they  ventured  found — 


126  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

In  battle  order  massed  by  night  and  day, 

And  ever  prone,  by  night  and  day,  to  pray; 

Alert  to  danger,  watchful  of  surprise, 

And  looking  forward  with  expectant  eyes. 

The  more  they  climbed  the  more  the  climate  changed, 

And  through  a  region  bleak,  and  wild,  they  ranged. 

From  mountain  heights  there  blew  a  chilly  blast. 

Hail,  sleet,  and  rain,  descended  on  them  fast, 

And  Cempoalla's  children  stood  aghast. 

And  one  by  one  beneath  their  burdens  died, 

While  vainly  all  for  sultry  valleys  sighed, 

And  supplicated  oft,  in  prayer,  for  aid. 

There  earth  and  sky  alike  were  cast  in  shade. 

The  rich  banana's  dark  and  glossy  leaf 

No  longer  gave  the  wearied  eye  relief. 

But  still  the  golden  maize  its  harvest  spread — 

Kind  Mother  Nature's  sweet  unfailing  bread — 

And  fields,  and  hedges,  of  the  cactus  grew, 

And  great  organums,  tow'ring  proudly,  too, 

While  aloes,  huge,  with  stems  of  vivid  green. 

And  golden  bloom,  in  clusters  graced  the  scene, 

And  yuca  plants,  and  native  pepper-trees — 

The  ^gis  of  the  Aztec — spiced  the  breeze. 

Through   towns,    and   hamlets,    on    the    Spaniards 

pressed — 
And  on  their  journey  seldom  paused  for  rest — 
Exciting  wonder  through  the  country  round, 
And  consternation  by  the  trumpet's  sound. 
Their  arms,  and  dress,   their  prancing  steeds   and 

dogs, 
Their  bearded  faces,  and  their  Spanish  hogs, 
Made  Aztecs  marvel,  as  at  something  weird. 
For  ne'er  before  had  men  like  these  appeared, 
And  native  eyes  saw  e'en  in  such  as  swine 
Mysterious  things  with  attributes  divine. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  127 

III. 

While  far  before  it  spread  its  flying  fame 

To  Tlascala  the  marching  army  came. 

There  Cortez  said  to  Cempoalla  braves, 

"Go  tell  the  chiefs  that  here  my  banner  waves, 

And  I  would  fain  their  land  adventure  o'er," 

But  tidings  ne'er  to  Cortez  back  they  bore. 

For  they  were  captured,  and  condemned  as  spies 

By  those  they'd  rashly  ventured  to  apprise. 

Know  ye  for  war  that  Tlascala  was  famed. 

And  independence  long  ere  this  proclaimed 

Of  Montezuma's  empire,  and  alone — 

A  fierce  republic — still  it  held  its  own. 

It  now  prepared,  believing  Spaniards  foes. 

To  strike  them  down  with  overwhelming  blows. 

So  loudly  blew  each  chief  his  warning  shell,* 

And  on  the  bold  invaders  armies  fell 

In  battle  line,  a  hundred  thousand  strong — 

A  picturesque,  but  nigh  appalling  throng. 

With  bows,  and  arrows,  jav'lins  made  with  springs. 

And   spears,   and   darts — all    copper  barbed — and 

slings. 
Which  sped  their  missiles  as  if  borne  on  wings, 
While  blazoned  banners  in  the  distance  waved. 
The  Indian  masses  thus  the  Spaniards  braved, 
The  soldiers  with  a  simple  girdle  clad. 
Their  bodies  painted  and  their  war-songs  glad. 
While  drums  and  trumpets,  sounded  o'er  the  roar 
Of  swaying  numbers  as  they  onward  bore. 
Each  captain  was  arrayed  in  feather  mail, 
Whose  tints  were  richer  than  the  peacock's  tail, 

*  The  conch-shell,  which,  when  blown  into,  produced  a  loud 
shrill  summons  to  battle. 


128  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And — half  concealing  this — a  vest  of  gold — 
A  bright  cuirass  whose  wearer's  station  told — 
And  leathern  boots,  or  sandals,  silver  trimmed, 
While  from  his  helmet  rose  a  plume  or  crest, 
Whose  colors  dimmed  the  lustre  of  the  rest, 
And  here  and  there  a  leader  wore  a  mask 
Grotesque  in  form,  which  made  the  Spaniards  ask 
If  they  were  men,  or  demons  in  disguise. 
Who  in  this  guise  Satanic  met  their  eyes. 
Then,  as  the  morning  sun  illumed  the  scene, 
And  gilded  moving  hosts  with  dazzling  sheen — 
Where  Christians  fighting  infidels  were  seen, 
While  back  its  rays  cuirass  and  helmet  flashed — 
The  horsemen,  at  a  signal,  forward  dashed. 
"  Christo  y  Santiago!  ^^  loudly  rang 
Above  the  battle's  far-resounding  clang. 
And  ^^Adelante  /  Adelant^ /"  too. 
And  fast  their  lances  pierced  the  heathen  through. 
With  headlong  pace  they  ploughed  the  human  tide, 
And  earth  where'er  they  went  with  slaughter  dyed, 
And  by  despair  emboldened  "  Conquest!  "  cried. 
The  while  the  Spanish  infantry  defied 
The  nation's  gathered  armies  with  their  swords. 
And  cut  their  battling  foemen  down  like  gourds. 
The  foremost  in  the  fray  was  Cortez  there. 
And  ^^Jesu  Christo!"  filled  at  times  the  air, 
While  oft  his  lips  were  seen  to  move  in  prayer. 
The  natives  paused,  and  wavered ;  then  they  fled, 
And  left  behind  them,  on  the  field,  their  dead. 
But  ere  retreating  far — pursued,  and  sore — 
While  in  their  ears  they  heard  the  cannon's  roar — 
They  turned,  and  stood,  defiantly,  at  bay ; 
Again  advancing  fought,  and  lost  the  day. 
With  cruel  carnage  sore  repulsed  were  they. 
The  Christian  troops  had  closely  serried  stood. 
And  there  the  shock  of  all  their  arms  withstood. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  129 

Their  panoplies  of  steel  a  shelter  gave 

From  darts,  and  spears,  and  evVy  heart  was  brave, 

Though  round  in  tumult  warriors  wildly  surged, 

Their  shattered  ranks  by  valiant  leaders  urged. 

The  ancient  Greeks  and  Persians,  seemed  once  more 

To  fight  their  battle  as  in  days  of  3ore. 

The  cannon  boomed  and  filled  the  field  with  slain, 

And  arquebuses  threw  their  leaden  rain 

Till  Tlascala,  defeated,  cried — "  'T  is  vain 

To  longer  combat  with  the  bearded  foe 

Who  thus  with  death  can  down  our  columns  mow." 

So  back  they  fell  again  to  music  low. 

Embroidered  on  the  standard  of  the  state, 
Which — thus  repulsed — now  trembled  for  its  fate, 
A  golden  eagle  spread  its  shining  wings* 
As  if  to  soar  from  this  to  better  things, 
While  near  it — white — the  heron  on  a  rockf 
Waved  undisturbed  by  war's  tremendous  shock. 
And  other  banners  here  and  there  were  seen — 
Red,  white,  and  yellow,  purple,  blue,  and  green. 
One  last  resort  to  arms — a  night  attack 
Siill  brought  these  legions  to  their  foemen  back. 
But  they  were  vanquished  more  than  e'er  before, 
For  Spanish  steel,  alas  !  slew  thousands  more. 

IV. 

Ambassadors  were  sent  ere  passed  the  night 
To  tell  the  chiefs  how  great  was  Christian  might, 
Inviting  peace  ere  dawned  the  morning's  light. 
The  Spaniards — all — were  wounded  in  the  strife, 

*  The  banner  of  the  Republic  of  Tlascala  was  emblazoned 
with  a  golden  eagle  with  outstretched  wings. 

t  The  white  heron  on  a  rock  was  the  standard  of  the  house 
of  Xicotencatl  of  Tlascala. 


I30  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  passed  had  some — through   mortal  wounds — 

from  life, 
While  clamors  rose  which  Cortez  grieved  to  hear. 
"  We'll  seek  the  sea,"  they  cried,  "  for  death  is  here  !  " 
But  Cortez  answered — "  Comrades,  banish  fear. 
For  Christ  our  prayers,  where'er  we  are,  will  hear." 
How  glad  were  they  when  ere  the  day  there  came 
Submission  in  the  fierce  Republic's  name, 
Which  left  them  free  triumphantly  to  go 
Through  Tlascala,  and  on  to  Mexico. 
The  great  caziques  extended  welcome  aid, 
And  with  the  victors  there  a  treaty  made — 
Declaring  thus  allegiance  firm  to  Spain — 
And  sanctioned  in  their  clime  the  stranger's  reign  ; 
While  Cortez  cried — "  From  ill  I'll  shield  you  all. 
Bear  witness  now  Saint  Peter,  and  Saint  Paul !  " 
So  he  to  steadfast  allies  turned  his  foes, 
And  in  their  leading  city  found  repose. 
And  tarried  like  a  monarch  twenty  days, 
Receiving  homage,  and  awarding  praise. 
Alas !  they  little  knew  the  depth  of  woe 
To  follow  this  their  country's  overthrow. 
Or  yet  how  soon  the  victors  they'd  have  been 
Had  they  their  strength,  while  strength  availed  them, 

seen. 
Against  the  few  invaders  of  their  soil — 
Athirst  for  conquest,  and  the  victor's  spoil. 
'Twas  strange  their  legions  thus   should  come  to 

naught 
When  bravely  they  for  life,  and  country,  fought. 
They   deemed     their  fierce    assailants'    lives  were 

charmed. 
And  all  with  thunder,  and  with  lightning  armed. 

In  Tlascala — the  city — Cortez  cried — 
"  Your  idols  spurn,  or  else  ye  woe  betide, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  131 

And  Christ,  and  Virgin,  in  your  hearts  enthrone, 
Nor  dare  to  worship  gods  to  us  unknown  !  " 
But  priestly  words  tiie  leader's  hand  restrained, 
And  blood  no  more  the  soil  beneath  him  stained. 

Six  blooming  maids,  as  brides,  were  tendered  there, 
All  chieftains'  children,  richly  dight,  and  fair. 
But  Cortez  said — "  Ere  Spaniards  these  can  win 
Freed  they  must  be — baptized — from  ev'ry  sin, 
For  Christians  ne'er  with  heathen  wives  can  dwell." 
And  to  the  rite  then  bowed  each  Indian  belle 
Ere  to  the  city  Cortez  bade  farewell. 


When  Montezuma  heard  the  tidings  true 
Invasion's  cloud  to  him  portentous  grew. 
In  fear  and  haste  he  sent  four  nobles  more 
With  gifts  superb  which  they  to  Cortez  bore — 
Three  thousand  ounces  weight  of  golden  ore, 
And  fabrics,  rich,  a  monarch  well  might  wear, 
But  prayed  from  further  havoc  he'd  forbear. 
Nor  nearer  to  his  city  e'er  advance. 
For  ill  might  there  o'ertake  his  arms,  perchance. 

VI. 

Toward  Mexico  the  army  moved  again. 
And  in  its  ranks  six  thousand  native  men. 
These  Cortez  placed  from  prudence  in  the  van. 
And  with  them  wide  the  country  round  o'erran. 
Ere  long  a  city  vast — Cholula — shone 
Before  his  vision,  built  of  brick,  and  stone — 
A  sacred,  and  a  consecrated  place. 
For  to  this  Mecca  pilgrims  came  for  grace. 
A  mighty  mound — a  pyramidal  form, 


132  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Which  had  for  countless  ages  braved  the  storm — 

High  on  its  summit  reared  a  jewelled  shrine, 

And  there  they  prayed  to  gods  they  deemed  divine. 

From  this  exalted  temple  all  was  grand 

As  Cortez  gazed  upon  the  smiling  land. 

Far  to  the  west  a  rocky  barrier  rose 

Designed  the  mighty  valley  to  enclose — 

The  charming  gem  of  charming  Mexico, 

Which  he  beheld  with  admiration's  glow — 

While  high  above  two  mountain  peaks  were  seen — 

A  freak  of  Nature  seeming  on  the  scene — 

Like  sentinels  to  guard  this  splendid  vale, 

Which  looked  to  him  like  an  enchanted  dale. 

Far  to  the  east  still  Orizaba's  cone 

Among  the  clouds  stood  barren,  bleak,  alone, 

And  nearer  Mount  Malinche  shadows  threw 

O'er  plains  below  where  maize,  and  aloes  grew, 

The  mountains — all  volcanoes — ermine  crowned, 

And  wide  o'erlooking  all  the  region  round. 

Below,  the  holy  city  peaceful  lay, 

Its  turrets  sparkling  in  the  beams  of  day, 

Its  groves,  and  gardens,  stretching  far  away. 

Its  pinnacles  resplendent  in  the  sky. 

Such  is  the  prospect  still  that  meets  the  eye 

Which  o'er  the  plain  of  Puebla  wanders  wide, 

And  all  the  Spaniards  view^ed  the  scene  with  pride. 

VII. 

Cholula  gave  them  welcome  with  her  praise, 

And  strewed  their  path  with  fragrant  bloom,  and 

bays. 
While  music  rose,  with  incense,  on  the  air. 
And  songs  were  sung  by  maidens  young  and  fair. 
In  art,  and  science,  she  no  rival  knew, 
But,  indisposed  to  fight,  her  wars  were  few, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  133 

Yet  there — "  A  plot ! — A   plot !  "    was  whispered 

low, 
And  Cortez  cried — "I'll  strike  a  crushing  blow. 
I'll  lead  the  heathen  masses  to  the  square, 
And  slay  them  while  they  struggle  in  the  snare." 
No  plot  was  known  among  the  native  throng, 
Yet  felt  they  all  the  lash  of  cruel  wrong. 
The  deed  was  done  :  the  signal  Cortez  gave 
Which  ushered  sinless  creatures  to  the  grave. 
The  troops — prepared — a  dreadful  volley  fired 
From  arquebuse,  and  crossbow,  then  retired 
A  step,  again  to  load,  while  forward  flew 
The  cavalry,  and  pleading  masses  slew. 
Like  grain  before  the  reaper's  fatal  sweep 
They  fell,  and  Death  enfolded  them  in  sleep, 
While  Phoebus  brightly  from  his  burnished  throne 
On  that  terrific  scene  of  carnage  shone. 
Some  tried  to  scale  the  walls,  but  wounded  fell ; 
Some  perished  at  the  gateways  with  a  yell, 
The  victims  of  the  pikes  that  pierced  them  there. 
'Mid  agonizing  shrieks  that  filled  the  air 
Some  burrowed  under  piles  of  reeking  slain. 
But  all  from  slaughter  sought  escape  in  vain. 
Yet  "Jesu  Christo ! "  Spaniards  spoke  in  prayer, 
Unmoved  by  cries  of  anguish,  and  despair. 
Outside  the  walls  that  girt  the  fatal  square- 
The  people  ran  their  kinsmen  there  to  save. 
But  some  who  strove  to  succor  found  a  grave. 
For  on  them,  lo !  the  cannon,  now  were  turned. 
And   homes,    and   fanes,   by    Spanish   hands  were 

burned. 
The  Tlascalans — their  foes — upon  them  sprang. 
And  thrilling  blasts  from  conches  round  them  rang, 
And  swelled  the  tempest  which  still  wilder  raged 
As  Indian  flew  on  Indian,  there,  enraged. 
The  flames,  and  carnage,  and  the  dying  groans, 


134  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  cries  for  mercy,  and  heartrending  moans, 

The  musket's  rattle,  and  the  cannon's  roar, 

The  spectacle  of  ruin,  and  of  gore, 

The  pandemonium  of  sights,  and  sounds — 

Where  evil  passions  knew  no  common  bounds — 

Filled  all  the  scene ;  and  horror,  and  dismay, 

Spread  through  Cholula  on  that  awful  day. 

Then  as  the  storm  of  battle  died  away. 

The  troops  for  plunder  through  the  city  sped 

While  o'er  six  thousand  lay — their  victims — dead. 

All  this  beneath  a  Christian  flag  was  done. 

Could  worse  have  acted  Vandal,  Goth,  or  Hun? 

Yet  ere  the  night  the  victors  kneeling  prayed, 

And,  looking  upward,  asked  for  heavenly  aid. 

And  crossed  their  breasts  devoutly  in  the  Mass, 

Nor  grieved  that  deeds  so  foul  had  come  to  pass. 

But  still  there  rests  on  Cortez,  and  on  Spain, 

This  wanton  massacre's  revolting  stain. 

"  Let  Christian  faith,"  said  Cortez,  "  supersede 

The  doctrines  of  Cholula's  ancient  creed," 

And  where  the  jewelled  shrine  on  high  had  stood, 

Before  this  hurricane  of  fire  and  blood, 

A  mammoth  cross  was  built  of  lime,  and  stone, 

Nor  more  Cholula's  idols  there  were  known. 

VIII. 

When  Montezuma  heard  this  tale  of  woe 
He  trembled  for  his  fate,  and  Mexico. 
With  rage,  and  consternation,  deep,  he  saw 
The  fierce  invader  toward  his  city  draw. 
And  envoys  sent  again  to  meet  the  foe. 
And  warn  him  back  to  ocean's  breast  to  go, 
Yet  friendship  feigned  withal,  and  presents  sent 
To  win  to  this — how  vainly  ! — his  consent. 
In  mind  he  weakly  wavered  which  to  do — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  135 

Oppose  him  foe-like,  or  for  favor  sue. 

Unable  yet  to  make  him  flee  the  soil 

He  feared  he'd  find  in  Mexico  his  spoil, 

And  cried — "  My  reign,  perchance,  will  soon  be  o'er 

When  thus  Cholula's  bathed  in  Aztec  gore. 

Yet  still  I'll  try  to  stop  the  foe's  approach. 

For  whose  advance  not  I  deserve  reproach." 

The  Spaniards  soon  their  lengthy  march  resumed 
To  meet  him — Montezuma — now  foredoomed. 
But  Cempoalla's  braves  the  monarch  feared 
The  more  as  they  his  island  city  neared. 
And  said,  "  O  Master !  let  us  homeward  fly, 
Nor  lead  us  into  Mexico  to  die. 
And  Cortez — with  reluctance — yielding  this 
They  found  in  nearing  home,  and  kindred,  bliss. 

IX. 

The  road  awhile  through  green  savannas  lay, 
And  rich  plantations  stretching  far  away. 
But  soon  they  climbed  the  bold  Sierra's  sides, 
Which  Mexico's  from  Puebla's  plain  divides. 
Its  frosted  crest  above  them  grandly  rose. 
While  condors  o'er  it  soared,  and  carrion  crows. 
On  up  the  steep  ascent  the  troops  defiled 
Between  the  two  volcanoes,  lofty,  wild,* 
Which  there  in  grandeur  pierced  the  vault  of  blue, 
And  lent  majestic  beauty  to  the  view. 
The  loftiest  peak  some  daring  Spaniards  scaled. 
Yet,  then,  to  reach  the  belching  crater  failed, 
But  Cortez  sent  a  troop  in  later  days 

*  Popocatepetl —"  The  hill  that  smokes" — rising  17,852 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  more  than  2,000  feet  higher 
than  Mont  Blanc,  and  Iztaccihuatl — '*  the  white  woman," — so 
called  from  its  robe  of  snow. 


136  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

To  glean  the  sulphur  from  its  walls — ablaze, 
"  For  we,"  said  he,  "  can  turn  to  powder  this." 
They  heard  the  deep  volcano  roar,  and  hiss, 
And  saw  its  fires  beneath  them,  strangely  bright. 
Which  touched  the  crater^s  walls  with  lurid  light. 
Down  this  abyss  four  hundred  feet  or  more. 
Their  lot  was  then  a  Spaniard,  bold  to  lower — * 
A  valiant  deed  that  filled  them  all  with  pride. 
Volcanoes  thus  with  powder  Spain  supplied. 


Through  gorge,  and  canon,  on  the  army  filed. 

And  soon — the  summit  gained — the  valley  smiled 

In  blooming  beauty — an  enchanting  vale — 

As  bright  as  e'er  was  sketched  in  fairy  tale. 

Before  them  there  the  Mexic  garden  la}^ 

Bright,  picturesque,  colossal,  green,  and  gay. 

Its  noble  forests  stretching  far  away. 

With  cultured  fields,  and  orchards  here  and  there. 

Distinct,  though  distant,  in  the  lucid  air. 

Its  shining  lakes,  and  far-extending  plains, 

Its  cities  with  their  turrets,  and  their  fanes, 

And  dusky  hills,  and  meads  of  yellow  maize, 

Appeared  before  their  rapt,  admiring  gaze. 

While  in  the  centre  of  the  valley  stood — 

Borne  on  the  bosom  of  Tezcuco's  flood  * 

Great  Mexico  where  Montezuma  dwelt. 

And  equal  laws  to  all  his  people  dealt — 

The  stately  Venice  of  the  Aztec  realm, 

Which  they — so  few — were  soon  to  overwhelm. 


*  They  cast  lots,  and  it  fell  on  one  Montano  to  descend  in  the 
basket. 

*  Lake  Tezcuco  in  the  centre  of  which  the  city  of  Mexico  was 
built. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  137 

High  o'er  it  all  the  Royal  Hill  was  seen 
Crowned  with  a  cypress-grove,  gigantic  green — 
The  home  of  Montezuma,  and  his  race. 
Their  cradle,  throne,  and  sacred  resting-place. 
A  speck,  beyond  the  waters  of  the  lake — 
Half  screened  from  view  by  intervening  brake — 
Told  of  Tezcuco's  city,  like  it  grand. 
Backed  by  a  porphyritic  belt — a  band 
Which  girdle-like  around  the  valley  wound — 
A  setting  meet  for  all  the  gems  it  bound. 

The  Spaniard's  breast  with  warm  emotion  swelled 
As  he  at  last  the  promised  land  beheld, 
And  Cortez  felt  as  Moses  felt  of  yore 
When  he  from  Pisgah  viewed  the  happy  shore. 
The  fairest  scene  was  this  that  e'er  he'd  seen, 
Bathed  in  the  morning  sun's  resplendent  sheen. 
But  while  it  charmed  it  awed  the  band  he  led, 
And  while  the  wealth  he  saw  his  av'rice  fed 
His  comrades  quailed,  so  great  seemed  Aztec  might. 
Whose  signs  where'er  they  journeyed  met  the  sight. 
*'  Oh  !  backward,"  some  to  Cortez  pleaded,  "  turn  !  " 
But  all  such  pleadings  he  was  quick  to  spurn. 
For  spoils  so  rich  his  ardent  spirit  yearned. 
And  Christian  zeal  for  Aztec  converts  burned  : 
Nor  failed  he  languid  courage  to  revive. 
"  For  conquest,  and  conversion,"  cried  he,  "  strive, 
Nor,  Comrades,  e'er  of  great  success  despair. 
The  Christianas  safety  is  the  Virgin's  care  ! " 
And  so  emboldened,  down  the  mountain-side 
The  army  marched  with  reawakened  pride. 

XI. 

From  many  a  hamlet  startled  peasants  came 

To  see  the  White  Gods — they  had  won  the  name — 


138  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  down  the  valley,  far,  had  spread  their  fame. 
All  anxious  seemed  to  do  whate'er  would  please, 
And  wond'ring  crowds  grew  denser  by  degrees. 
Ambassadors  ere  long  once  more  appeared 
From  Montezuma  who  their  prowess  feared. 
And  these  to  Cortez  rendered  gifts  of  gold. 
And    of     their    sovereign's    might    and    grandeur 

told. 
Yet  begged  he'd  turn,  and  all  his  steps  retrace, 
Nor  e'er  again  from  ocean  turn  his  face. 
But  Cortez  said — "  To  him — your  king — I  go, 
For  to  his  friendship  much,  methinks,  I  owe, 
And  I  would  gaze  awhile  on  Mexico, 
And  more  of  Spain  I  ween  he'd  gladly  know." 

When  Montezuma  heard  the  tidings,  lo ! 

He  felt  a  sense  of  deep,  impending  woe. 

The  bold  Sierra's  topmost  height  was  scaled. 

And  all  his  arts  to  stay  the  march  had  failed. 

That  lofty  and  defensive  screen  was  leaped, 

And  he  in  sorrow  found  his  spirit  steeped. 

His  martial  courage  left  him,  and  he  cried — 

"  Oh  !  that  ere  this — my  destiny — I'd  died  ! 

But  as  so  far  they've  journeyed  o'er  the  plain 

And  all  resistance  seems,  to  check  them,  vain 

I'll  now  extend  a  welcome  as  a  friend, 

And  envoys,  new — with  gifts — to  meet  them  send. 

Necessity  a  virtue  thus  may  seem, 

And    I    would    fain     my    course    they'd    friendly 

deem." 
The  envoys  met  their  guests  by  Chalco's  lake, 
And  said — "  Of  all  we  bring  you  come  partake. 
We  wish  you  welcome  from  your  distant  clime, 
And  Montezuma,  whom  w^e  call  sublime. 
His  gifts,  and  kindly  greetings,  bids  us  bear. 
To  Mexico  he  prays  you'll  now  repair, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  139 

And  in  the  monarch's  name  the  way  we'll  lead." 
**  On  !   Comrades,"  Cortez   cried,  "  with  quickened 
speed  !  " 

The  blooming  cacti,  and' the  maguey  green, 
A.nd  oaks,  and  ceibas,  beautified  the  scene ; 
And  woodlands  plumed  with  palms,  and  clad  with 

vines, 
And  hung  with  moss  in  countless  strange  designs — 
Where  sycamores,  and  willows,  rose  on  high — 
In  patches,  here  and  yonder,  met  the  eye. 

Across  the  lake— along  the  causeway  grand — 

The  army  marched — a  small  but  gallant  band — 

With  water  stretching  far  on  either  hand, 

And  floating  gardens  blooming  on  its  face 

Borne  by  the  restless  winds  from  place  to  place. 

While  round  the  margin  of  the  lake  were  towns — 

Besprinkled  with  the  palm-trees'  spreading  crowns — 

Whose  limits  ran  beyond  the  solid  land — 

The  views  around  diversified,  and  grand — 

And  rose  on  piles  above  the  placid  flood, 

Which  skirted  league  on  league  of  field  and  wood, 

And  o'er  whose  surface  in  the  noontide  glow 

A  thousand  light  canoes  shot  to  and  fro. 

So  picturesque,  and  bright,  and  fair  a  scene 

Had  ne'er  before  by  Spanish  eyes  been  seen. 

To  Iztapalapan  at  length  they  came — 

Still,  as  they  marched,  preceded  by  their  fame — 

Where,  in  the  palace,  all  were  entertained. 

And  there,  with  sumptuous  cheer,  the  night  remained 

And  wandered  through  its  gardens,  vast  and  gay. 

Where  Flora  made  a  prodigal  display. 

And  trees  and  shrubs — each  species  in  a  row — 

Were  gathered  from  all  over  Mexico, 

And  as  the  sun  sank  grandly  in  the  west 


I40  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

His  beams  the  city's  minarets  caressed. 

The  tongue  of  Cortez  uttered  words  of  praise 

As  Mexico,  the  famous,  met  his  gaze. 

There  shining  bright  in  those  inspiring  rays 

Were  teocallis*  palaces,  and  spires, 

While  on  the  distant  hills  blazed  beacon-fires 

To  signalize  the  presence  of  the  band 

Whose  advent  spread  such  wonder  through  the  land. 


PART  THIRD. 
I. 


The  morrow  came  :  the  march  was  then  resumed. 
While    trumpet   blasts     were    heard,    and    cannon 

boomed 
To  fill  the  Aztec  multitude  with  awe, 
And  make  them  marvel  at  the  things  they  saw. 
Like  some  bright  fairy  vision  shone  the  scene, 
With  tints  of  gold  and  crimson,  blue  and  green. 
Scarce  now  four  hundred  sons  of  old  Castile 
Advanced  in  line  with  arquebuse,  and  steel. 
With  full  six  thousand  allies  in  the  rear — 
No  man  of  whom  but  felt  a  twinge  of  fear — 
To  overthrow  an  empire,  and  a  throne. 
And  claim  the  country,  and  its  wealth,  their  own. 
Along  the  giant  causeway,  built  of  stone, 
Extending  through  a  broad  and  placid  lake, 
Not  slow  were  they  their  onward  way  to  take. 
For  straight  it  led  them  to  the  city's  gate, 
And  who  could  tell  what  there  would  be  their  fate  ? 
Here  floating  isles  of  verdure,  and  of  bloom 
Displayed  their  beauty  and  exhaled  perfume, 

*  Temples. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  141 

And  villages,  and  hamlets,  built  on  piles, 
The  sparkling  waters  half-concealed  for  miles. 
While  swift  chinampas*  here  and  there  were  seen, 
And  wondrous  fair  was  all  that  sunny  scene. 

II. 

A  host  of  nobles  soon  were  met  who  came 

Great  Montezuma's  advent  to  proclaim. 

These  cotton  skirts,  and  mantles — woven — wore, 

And  some  with  feather-work  were  blazoned  o'er. 

And  round  their  necks  and  arms  mosaics  shone, 

While  from  each  nostril  hung  a  precious  stone, 

And  underlips,  and  ears  alike  displayed 

Rich  pendants,  both  of  gold  and  turquoise  made. 

Ere  long  the  monarch's  glitt'ring  retinue, 

Around  his  palanquin,  appeared  in  view. 

"  The  Aztec  sovereign,"  Cortez  cried,  "  behold  !  " 

'Mid  blazing  feather-work,  and  burnished  gold, 

Beneath  a  canopy  with  silver  fringed— 

While  all  around  his  faithful  vassals  cringed — 

Borne  on  the  shoulders  of  his  lords  he  came. 

The  mighty  Montezuma  known  to  fame. 

Whose  word  was  law  throughout  his  rich  domain. 

Who'd  battles  fought,  and  seldom  fought  in  vain — 

The  sovereign  ruler  of  a  warlike  race — 

Here  met  the  while  invaders  face  to  face. 

Alighting  from  his  splendid  palanquin. 

Which  brightly  sparkled  in  Apollo's  sheen, 

He  stepped  to  where  the  Christian  leader  stood, 

While  shone  on  either  side  Tezcuco's  flood. 

In  slavish  adulation  forms  were  bowed 

As  Montezuma  passed  among  the  crowd. 

He  wore  his  nation's  ample  cloak  and  skirt, 

*  The  canoes  on  Lake  Tezcuco. 


142  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  gaily-colored,  much  embroidered  shirt, 

And  sandals,  for  his  feet  a  fitting  shield. 

His  raven  hair  a  helmet  half  concealed — 

A  crown  in  which — Cappilli — *  stood  revealed — ■ 

Whereon  an  eagle,  soaring  high,  was  wrought 

Which  lustre  from  the  beams  of  Phoebus  caught, 

While  from  its  centre  rose  a  royal  plume 

That  rivalled  in  its  beauty  richest  bloom. 

His  garments,  too,  with  gems  were  thickly  set — 

The  chalchuite,^  the  ruby,  and  the  jet. 

And  ornaments  of  gold  of  strange  design. 

In  stature  tall — and  thin — with  look  benign 

He  seemed  a  man  by  nature  formed  to  shine ; 

While  pale  of  skin,  the  fairest  of  his  race, 

His  keen  and  ebon  eyes  illumed  his  face, 

On  which  there  grew  a  scant  yet  comely  beard. 

And  seldom  such  on  Aztecs  e'er  appeared. 

Both  dignity  and  ease  his  port  combined. 

And  culture  gave  refinement  to  his  mind. 

Bright  silver  casques  and  plumes  his  warriors  wore. 

And  mantles — gay  tilmatli's — %  red  as  gore, 

But  trimmed  with  fur,  and  thickly  jewelled  o'er. 

And  quilted  tunics,  cotton-wove,  and  blue, 

And  sashes  of  a  like  cerulean  hue. 

To  Cortez  Montezuma  soon  was  shown, 
Who  to  the  Spaniard  made  his  mission  known. 
"  I  come,"  said  he,  "  with  welcome  on  my  tongue. 
Ye  men  of  whom  the  oracles  have  sung  !  ^^ 

*  The  name  of  the  Aztec  monarch's  crown. 

t  The  Mexican  emerald. 

X  The  tilmatli  was  a  mantle  of  blue-tinted  cotton  worn  over 
a  lightly  quilted  cotton  tunic  by  the  Aztec  men  generally,  but 
in  the  case  of  those  of  high  degree  it  was  of  crimson  color, 
jewelled,  and  trimmed  with  fur.  The  sash  wliich  bound  it 
w-as  also  of  cotton  and  called  the  maxtlatl. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  143 

The  Spanish  chief  dismounted  at  his  side, 
And  through  Marina  to  his  words  replied, 
With  great  respect,  and  reverence  profound. 
A  necklace  round  his  throat  the  Spaniard  wound, 
And  then  embraced  the  monarch  where  he  stood, 
Exclaiming — "  I  esteem  thee  great,  and  good  V 
But  those  in  waiting  on  their  sovereign  cried — 
"  From  mighty  Montezuma  stand  aside  !  " 
And  showed  by  looks  their  wonder  and  alarm, 
But  Cortez  answered — "  Children,  fear  no  harm. 
For  I  embrace  your  chieftain  as  a  friend, 
And  ne'er  may  friendships  thus  cemented  end." 

Surprise  was  pictured  in  each  Spaniard's  eyes 

As  Montezuma  praised  their  enterprise, 

And  feigned  to  welcome  those  he  held  in  dread. 

Whose  coming  through  the  clime  had  wonder  spread. 

Strange  men  were  those  he  now  before  him  saw. 

And  on  their  forms  the  monarch  gazed  with  awe. 

Their  advent  in  his  valley  had  of  old 

Been  by  his  sacred  oracles  foretold, 

And  more  than  human  all  their  prowess  seemed. 

"Yes  these,"  he   sighed,   "are  those   of   whom    I 

dreamed, 
Predestined  to  my  country  overrun. 
Such  men  are  surely  smiled  on  by  the  Sun." 
The  hue  of  superstition  tinged  his  mind, 
And,  like  a  bigot  led,  he  wandered  blind. 
His  oracles  inspired  his  anxious  dread — 
While  with  delusions  all  his  fears  were  fed — 
When  first  he  heard  of  this  invading  horde 
Who  came  from  ocean  armed  with  fire  and  sword. 
These  oracles  of  fell  invasion  told 
By  strangers  from  the  waters — strong  and  bold, 
And  prophesied  they'd  speedy  triumphs  gain, 
And  ever  after  in  the  land  remain. 


144  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Resistance,  then,  by  him  might  prove  in  vain, 

And  why  should  man  of  destiny  complain  ? 

He  felt  them  his  superiors  in  race, 

In  weapons  mighty,  and  like  gods  In  face. 

These  surely  could  no  other  be  than  those — 

The  wonder,  and  the  terror,  of  their  foes — 

Predicted  by  the  oracles — whose  sway 

Would  sweep  for  ever  Aztec  rule  away ; 

And  so  he  yielded — rather  than  defy, 

Nor  dared  to  sound  his  country's  battle-cry. 

It  might  be,  too,  some  providence  had  sent — 

The  God,  perchance,  that  starred  the  firmament — 

These  pale,  and  bearded  men  to  scan  the  land 

For  some  great  purpose  none  could  understand. 

And  good  might  come  from  evil  things  at  last. 

And  turn  to  joy  the  mourning  of  the  past. 

Thus  o'er  their  advent  Montezuma  mused, 

And  none  of  wrong,  or  cowardice,  accused. 

Amid  a  prostrate  multitude  of  braves. 

Who    gladly    owned    themselves    their    monarch's 

slaves, 
His  royal  wand  great  Montezuma  waved — 
While  those  around,  his  blessing  humbly  craved — 
And  stepped  into  his  palanquin  in  state. 
And  thus  returned  he  to  his  palace  gate. 
He  bade  his  brother  onward  lead  the  guests. 
Who  marched  with  hope  rekindled  in  their  breasts  ; 
And  so  with  flags  and  music,  soon,  they  came 
To  Tenochtitlan,*  great  in  Aztec  fame. 

*  The  Aztec  name  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  signifying  a  tunal 
(a  cactus)  on  a  stone — so  called  by  the  first  settlers  there, 
about  1325.  The  name  Mexico  by  which  the  city  and  coun- 
try have  always  been  known  to  Europeans,  was  derived  from 
that  of  the  Aztec  war-god  called  Mexitli  by  the  Spaniards, 
but  more  properly  known  as  Huitzilopotchli — the  Mexican 
Mars. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  145 

III. 

The  city's  grandeur,  now,  the  Spaniards  saw, 
And  admiration  ripened  into  awe. 
The  street  they  trod  was  stately,  long  and  wide, 
With  massive  buildings  ranged  on  either  side — 
Both  fanes  and  dwellings  built  of  reddish  stone — 
Whose  roofs  with  blooming  plants  were  half  o'er- 

grown, 
While  gardens  lay  between  them  here  and  there, 
Diffusing  fragrance  through  the  balmy  air. 
Great  open  squares — tianguez — met  the  eye, 
And  pyramidal  temples  rose  on  high, 
Colossal  in  their  bulk,  with  blazing  fires — 
On  altars  built  for  solemn  fun'ral  pyres — 
Which  ever  burned  in  darkness,  and  in  light, 
And  crowned  each  sanctuary's  topmost  height. 
Vast  Aztec  crowds  were  gathered  by  the  way — 
The  sight  of  which  made  ev'ry  Spaniard  pray — 
The  pale  invaders,  as  they  came,  to  see. 
But  not  a  sound  was  heard  of  revelry. 
They   thronged  the  roads,  the   windows,   and    the 

roofs. 
And  started  at  the  sound  of  horses'  hoofs, 
That  clatt'ring   trod  their  pavements    smooth   and 

clean. 
Such  monsters,  huge,  they  ne'er  before  had  seen. 
The  music  seemed  unearthly  in  their  ears. 
In  some  awaking  mirth,  in  others  fears, 
For  instruments  of  theirs  had  never  thrilled 
Their  hearts   like   these,  whose    strains   their   city 

filled. 
Bright  falchions  flashed,  and  bonnets  made  of  steel, 
And  cries  arose  of  "Jesus  and  Castile  !  " — 
While  in  the  shining  sun  the  armor  glanced — 
As  on  the  troops  with  stately  tread  advanced. 


146  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Close  in  the  rear  the  Tlascalans  appeared 

At  whose  approach  the  Aztecs — groaning — sneered. 

For  these — their  safety — Cortez  gravely  feared, 

For  each  the  other  hated,  and  with  hate 

That  time  could  ne'er — nor  circumstance — abate. 

O'er  bridge  on  bridge  o'er  broad  canals  they  passed 

On  which  canoes  were  gliding  thick  and  fast. 

Each  bearing  market  burdens  to  and  fro, 

Whose  paddlers  sang  at  times  in  voices  low. 

At  length  the  army  halted  in  a  square 

Where  high  the  war-god's  temple  pierced  the  air — 

The  largest  fane  that  rose  in  Mexico 

Since  Cortez  laid  Cholula's  structure  low. 

And  facing  this  a  royal  palace  stood. 

While  in  the  distance  shone  Tezcuco's  flood. 

IV. 

Here  Montezuma  came  his  guests  to  meet, 
And  gladly  seemed  their  chief  again  to  greet, 
And  round  his  neck  a  string  of  jewels  placed, 
And  with  a  scarlet  plume  his  helmet  graced. 
Then  pointing  to  a  palace  near  his  own,* 
Where  long  before  his  father  sat  the  throne, 
He  said — "  In  peace,  I  pray  you  there  abide. 
And  daily  all  your  wants  I'll  see  supplied." 
The  Spaniard  in  return  his  thanks  expressed. 
And  Montezuma,  and  his  empire,  blessed. 
While  beads  of  glass,  and  baubles,  he  bestowed, 
And  ardor  thus  to  gain  his  favor  showed. 
But  though  so  calm,  and  peaceful,  all  appeared 
The  Spanish  chief  surprise,  and  danger  feared. 
And  guns,  and  troops,  disposed  in  such  array 


*  The  palace  of  Axayacatl,  Montezuma's  father,  built  about 
fifty  years  before,  but  not  occupied  by  Montezuma. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  147 

The  palace  grounds  they  guarded  either  way. 

A  banquet  soon  was  served  to  all  the  guests 

Who  murmured — "  Thank  the  Lord  !  "  with  grateful 

breasts, 
And  then  the  sweet  siesta  these  enjoyed — 
A  boon  that  Spaniards  ne'er  themselves  denied, 
And  which  they  found  as  needful  as  their  food, 
For  this  repose  exhausted  strength  renewed. 
Anon  came  Montezuma  prone  to  speak. 
And  said — "  Of  Spain  I  more  of  knowledge  seek, 
And  gifts  I  bring  to  all  who've  gathered  here, 
Who  well  deserve  the  best  of  Aztec  cheer. 
Each  gift's  a  pledge  of  friendship  unto  ye, 
Ye  pale-faced  rovers  from  a  distant  sea." 
Each  Spaniard  in  the  army  took  his  share 
Of  gold,  and  silver,  gems,  and  garb  to  wear. 
And  when  the  monarch  with  his  train  withdrew 
All  praised  him  for  this  proof  of  friendship  new, 
And  cried — "  The  tales  we  heard  were  all  untrue. 
Munificence  like  this  who  ever  knew  ? 
His  foes,  perchance,  their  falsehoods  yet  will  rue  !  '* 
That  eve  their  cannon  thundered  in  the  square 
In  celebration  of  their  advent  there, 
And  smoke  as  from  volcanoes  filled  the  air. 
The  Aztecs — superstitious — felt  afraid. 
And  Montezuma  looked  like  one  dismayed. 

V. 

The  morning  dawned,  and  Cortez,  grave  with  thought. 

The  Aztec  monarch  in  his  palace  sought, 

"  For  there,"  said  he,  "  I  fain  would  pay  my  court." 

He  found  it  vast,  and  fashioned  like  a  fort — 

The  buildings  low — a  long  uneven  file, 

But  built  of  stone,  and  picturesque  in  style. 

With  fountains  in  their  yards,  disporting  high, 


148-  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And   touched  by  rays  that   brightened  earth   and 

sky, 
While  running  o'er  a  hundred  baths  to  fill. 
Floods  from  Chapultepec's  deep  basin'd  hill 
Thus  found  their  way  within  the  palace  walls. 
Hernando  Cortez  crossed  the  outer  halls — 
Mid  servitors — to  Montezuma's  throne, 
Which  like  a  jewel  in  its  splendor  shone. 
While  clouds  of  incense  from  the  censers  rose. 
Magnificence  was  blended  with  repose. 
In  7iequen  robes  the  servitors  were  dressed,* 
Each  anxious  to  obey  his  King's  behest. 
And  Montezuma  wore  his  royal  crest — 
The  gay  capilH,  yea,  the  Aztec  crown. 
His  features  seemed  to  wear  a  passing  frown 
As  unfamiliar  footsteps  caught  his  ear, 
But  to  his  herald  he  "  Admit  "  replied, 
And  Cortez  soon  was  standing  at  his  side. 
He  welcomed  him,  and  asked  him  why  he  came. 
Then  Cortez, in  pursuance  of  his  aim 
To  make  a  convert  of  the  nation's  head, 
Explained  how  Jesus  on  the  Cross  had  bled. 
And  died  for  all  mankind,  who  thus  were  saved 
If  they  by  grace  their  own  redemption  craved. 
A  crucifix  he  held  before  his  eyes, 
And  said — "  Embrace,  I  pray,  the  Christian's  prize, 
Nor  let  barbaric  learning  sway  your  mind. 
In  this  you'll  bliss,  and  life  eternal,  find. 
The  scheme  of  man's  salvation  I'll  explain  :  " 
But  all  his  exhortation  proved  in  vain, 
For  Montezuma  to  his  gods  was  true, 
His  faith  unshaken  still  by  doctrines  new. 


*  The  nequen  was  a  coarse  white  garment  made  from  the 
fibre  of  aloes,  which  was  worn  by  courtiers,  and  others,  in  the 
presence  of  Montezuma. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  149 

vr. 

Marina  as  interpreter  had  served, 

And  well  the  praise  of  Cortez  she  deserved. 

"Why     from     his     faith     has     not    the    monarch 

swerved  ?  " 
He  asked  in  disappointment.     She  replied — 
"  His  faith  is  that  in  which  his  fathers  died. 
He  scorns  whoe'er  would  faith  so  true  deride. 
His  nation's  gods  he  loves,  respects,  and  fears, 
And  ne'er  will  he  renounce  what  he  reveres. 
Lo !  danger  lurks  in  efforts  to  convert. 
He  handles  fire  who'd  Aztec  gods  subvert !  *' 
Marina  loved  her  lord,  as  well  he  knew. 
Her  warning  voice  he  heeded  and  withdrew 
From  Montezuma's  presence  ere  he  spoke 
Another  word  his  anger  to  provoke. 
But,  ere  he  left,  the  monarch  gifts  bestowed, 
And  friendly  feelings  toward  the  Spaniard  showed, 
And  sent  his  soldiers  more  of  gems  and  gold, 
And  jewels  of  a  strange,  fantastic  mould. 
"  Such    gifts    as    these,"    he   said,    "  become    the 

bold ! " 

VH. 

To  Cortez  all  was  new,  and  strangely  grand, 

That  met  his  eye  where'er  he  viewed  the  land, 

And  far  surpassing  all  he  hoped  to  find. 

The  mighty  city  Art  had  well  designed. 

And  strength  with  beauty  there  was  well  combined, 

While  in  the  realm  an  engine  vast  he  saw 

By  reason  guided,  disciplined  by  law. 

And  ruled  by  one  whose  edicts  all  obeyed. 

To  fight  it  well  might  Cortez  feel  afraid. 

His  little  band  had  ne'er  more  helpless  seemed 


15a  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Than  when  the  city  first  before  him  gleamed. 

That  city  like  a  citadel  was  planned, 

And  screened  by  water  from  the  neighb'ring  land. 

A  drawbridge  here,  and  there  a  dike,  were  seen, 

And  long  canals  that  basked  in  sunny  sheen. 

It  insulated  stood  from  all  around. 

The  houses  rose  like  castles  from  the  ground. 

And  who  could  tell  but  Montezuma's  nod 

Might  send  them  to  the  presence  of  their  God .? 

With  odds  so  great  could  skill  and  science  cope } 

Yet  plans  strategic  gave  the  Spaniards  hope. 

VIII. 

A  week  of  calm  in  Mexico  had  flown 

When  Cortez  said — "The  monarch  I'll  dethrone. 

The  royal  favor  may  to  fury  turn. 

And  where  before  he  flattered  he  may  spurn. 

The  Mexicans  may  weary  of  their  guests. 

For  secret  hatred  rankles  in  their  breasts. 

The  bridges  raised,  where  then  can  we  retreat  ? 

And  we  may  meet — we  know  not  how — defeat." 

Thus  in  the  leader's  mind  distrust  arose 

Which  tended  much  to  rob  him  of  repose. 

To  Montezuma's  palace  he  would  go 

To  capture  him,  or  strike  the  monarch  low. 

He  bade  his  captains  come  in  straggling  groups, 

While  at  their  call  should  wait  their  bravest  troops, 

To  turn  his  palace  to  a  battle-field 

If  Montezuma  there  refused  to  yield. 

IX. 

The  morning  came  for  meeting,  and  they  met, 
When  Cortez  murmured — "  Ere  the  sun  doth  set 
The  monarch's  fate,  and  mine,  perchance  I'll  seal. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  151 

For  God  is  good,  and  trusty  is  my  steel  ! " 

Addressing  Montezuma,  Cortez  spoke 

As  one  resolved  to  wrathful  words  provoke, 

But  he  to  rouse  his  indignation  failed, 

And  found  himself  with  gifts  again  regaled. 

He  none  the  less,  howe'er,  with  threats  assailed 

The  friendly  sov'reign  seated  on  the  throne. 

Whose  word  might  then  have   all   his  arms   o'er- 

thrown ; 
But  Montezuma  still  from  wrath  refrained, 
And  with  his  foe  serenely  peace  maintained. 
A  pretext  for  his  contemplated  act 
Found  Cortez  in  a  city  he  had  sacked, 
Where  of  his  soldiers  two  were  seized,  and  slain. 
"Of  this,"  said  he,  "  I  now  and  here  complain. 
And  blame  you,  Montezuma,  for  the  deed. 
Let  death  to  all  who  slew  them  be  decreed. 
To  show  your  friendship  come  with  us  reside 
Till,  like  their  victims,  slaughtered,  they  have  died, 
And  in  the  palace  we  will  treat  you  well. 
A  pleasant  place  it  is  in  which  to  dwell." 
Amazement  Montezuma  then  displayed, 
And  o'er  his  visage  passed  a  sombre  shade. 
And  then  with  indignation  he  was  flushed. 
A  moment  more,  he  trembled,  and  was  crushed. 
He  saw  his  awful  fate  before  him  rise 
With  thoughts  which  seemed  his  soul  to  agonize. 
He  deemed  resistance  vain  against  the  foe 
Who  stood  prepared  to  strike  a  deadly  blow, 
Whose  might,  he  knew,  had  filled  the  land  with  woe. 
He  lost  his  strength  by  yielding  to  despair, 
Which  laid  his  craven  heart,  before  them,  bare. 
Still  wore  his  mind  its  superstitious  hue. 
The  God  supreme,  who  ruled  the  world,  he  knew 
Had  sent  these  wondrous  beings  thus  to  do, 
And  whatsoe'er  Mexitli  had  decreed 


152  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

He'd  gladly  do,  nor  for  protection  plead. 

Yet     from     his     palace     walls     he     ne'er     would 

To  make  himself  the  scorn  of  Mexico. 

"  No  degradation  such  as  this  for  me," 

The  monarch  cried — "  No,  leave  me — Spaniards — 

free, 
And  justice  fairly  dealt  to  all  I'll  see." 
In  altercation  full  two  hours  had  passed, 
And  Montezuma  sat  his  throne  aghast. 
When  one  among  the  Spaniards — Leon  named — * 
Impatient  of  the  long  delay,  exclaimed — 
"  Why  waste  on  this  barbaric  hound  our  breath } 
In  this  attempt,  if  not  the  deed,  is  death 
To  all  our  hopes  if  we  but  falter  here. 
We've  gone  too  far — my  comrades — to  recede, 
So  let  us  do  whate'er  we  do  with  speed. 
We'll    spear     him    through    and     through     if    he 

resists. 
And  still  to  linger  where  he  is  persists. 
Arrest  him  now,  and  tear  him  hence  away, 
Or  we  have  lost  in  Mexico  the  day  !  " 
Marina  into  Aztec  turned  the  threat. 
And  Montezuma's  brow  grew  cold  and  wet. 
While  sadly  he  with  grief,  and  terror,  sighed. 
"  I  would,"  said  he,  ^'  ere  this  that  I  had  died, 
Ere  in  the  dust  was  crushed  my  native  pride, 
And  on  my  country  this  affliction  fell. 
The  oracles  have  conquest  long  foretold 
By  fierce  invaders,  like  these  Spaniards  bold. 
But  few  believed  the  sage  prediction  true. 
Tezcatlipoca  f  thus  why  dost  thou  do  .?  " 

*  Velasquez  de  Leon,  the  leader   of  a   hundred   men,  and  a 
kinsman  of  Velasquez,  the  governor  of  Cuba. 

t  A  god  supposed  to  have  been  the  creator  of  the  world. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  153 

X. 

Pride  came  at  last  to  Montezuma's  aid. 

"  Let  preparations  now,"  said  he,  "  be  made 

To  bear  me  in  my  palanquin  to  dwell 

Where  lodge  the  strangers,  more  I  cannot  tell." 

Then  he  was  carried  through  the  palace  gale 

With  all  the  pomp  attending  royal  state, 

And  passed  within  the  barracks  of  his  foes. 

The  people  near  in  tumult  nigh  arose 

Believing  Montezuma  captive  made, 

But  he  exclaimed — "  No  need  have  I  of  aid," 

And — Cortez-prompted — then,  with  bearing  proud 

Addressed  his  sons — a  dense,  excited  crowd — 

As  in  the  palmy  days  forever  gone. 

Yet  felt  dismayed,  and  looked  in  visage  wan. 

He  said — "  My  children,  angry  passions  calm," 

And  in  his  words  they  found  a  healing  balm. 

Thus  he  to  rescue  closed  the  open  door 

Lest  he  should  perish  ere  the  strife  was  o'er. 

Weak,  superstitious,  craven-hearted  too, 

He  bowed  submissive  to  a  tyrant  few 

With  stony  hearts,  and  fierce  as  beasts  of  prey, 

Whose  impulse  was  to  plunder,  and  to  slay. 

They  feigned  respect,  for  Montezuma  now. 

And    Spaniards   as    they    passed    him    paused    to 

bow, 
And  gave  him  freedom  in  those  narrow  bounds 
Prescribed  by  safety  and  his  prison  grounds, 
But  guarded  him  by  night  and  day  from  flight. 
For   well    they    knew    that    this    would    be    their 

blight. 
While,  through  his  fears,  in  bondage  he'd  remain 
The  friend  of  Cortez,  and  the  hope  of  Spain. 
Through  him  they'd  hold  the  Aztec  realm  in  awe, 
For  still  his  word  in  Mexico  was  law. 


154  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

XL 

"  Tezcatlipoca  / "  Montezuma  cried — 

"  Ere  this  occurred  I  would  that  I  had  died ! " 

He  called  the  ieotuctli*  to  his  side, 

And  said — "  Methinks  I'll  here  awhile  abide, 

And  take  the  teomoxtli  t  for  my  guide, 

And  to  the  sea-god — Halo — daily  pray 

To  take  the  white  invaders  far  away. 

In  all  the  teocallics  %  in  the  land 

Invoke  Mexitli's  all-protecting  hand 

To  screen  us  from  the  dangers  of  the  day, 

And  make  our  foes  of  Midlan  §  soon  the  prey. 

To  ev'ry  teule  ||  in  ev'ry  garden  bow, 

And  ask  of  Quetzal  1[ — mark  me  ! — wisdom  now. 

To  each  teotl  *  * — ev'ry  household  shrine — 

A  prayer  address,  and  make  the  sacred  sign, 

And  let  tamanes'\'\  bear  you  to  and  fro 

To  do  the  work  appointed  here  below. 

And  o'er  the  lake  in  swift  chinampas  %  %  speed, 

And  in  the  signs  around  the  future  read." 

His  fav'rite  game  of  totaloque%%  no  more 
He  played  with  golden  balls,  as  oft  before, 

*The  chief  priest, 
t  The  Aztec  bible.     %  The  temples. 
§  The  Aztec  hell,  symbolized  by  the  owl. 
II  An  image  of  a  god  generally  placed  on  a  pedestal  in   a 
garden. 

*I  Quetzalcoatl^  who  taught  agriculture  and  wisdom. 
**  The  image  of  a  god  to  be  found  in  a  niche  in  every  house, 
tt  The  porters  employed  to  carry  palanquins — the  carriages 
of  those  of  high  degree. 

tJThe  canoes  on  Lake  Tezcuco. 

§§  One   of    the  amusements   of   Montezuma — played    with 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  155 

But  brooded  sadly  o'er  his  fallen  state, 
And  tunas,  *  and  the  chodat^  only  ate, 
Nor  drank  oipulque  though  his  heart  was  sore ; 
Yet  nequen  still  his  vassals  round  him  wore — 
To  show  that  he  was  monarch  o'er  them  still — 
And  all  their  actions  hung  upon  his  will. 

Time  passed  until  at  length  one  morn  there  came 

An  Aztec  chief  %  that  Cortez  held  to  blame — 

An  escort  with  him  worthy  of  his  fame. 

He  came  to  answer  Montezuma's  call, 

As  yet  unconscious  of  the  monarch's  fall. 

"  Two  Spaniards  in  your  country  have  been  slain, 

And  death  alone  can  wipe  away  the  stain. 

So  you  and  all  your  nobles  here  must  die. 

Apply  the  torch,  and  pile  the  fagots  high.'* 

Thus  Cortez  to  his  answer  made  reply. 

The  chief,  his  son,  and  fifteen  nobles  died. 

And  o'er  their  fate  a  gazing  concourse  sighed. 

Who  deemed  that  Montezuma  doomed  to  death 

Those  who  in  torments  thus  resigned  their  breath ; 

But  while  the  palace-yard  was  red  with  flame 

The    captive     monarch    groaned    with    grief    and 

shame. 
For  manacled  and  chained  thus  soon  he  lay. 
He  felt  at  last  he'd  lost  his  sov'reign  sway. 
He  saw  himself  insulted  and  despised, 
And  stripped  of  all  he  cherished,  loved  and  prized — 
A  captive  where  he'd  ruled — a  helpless  slave. 
Less  bitter  would  to  him  have  been  the  grave. 

golden  balls — which  he  relinquished  after  the  invasion  of  his 
empire, 

*  Figs. 

t  Choclatl — chocolate. 

X  Quauhpopoca,  an  Aztec  governor  of  a  province. 


156  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Deep  in  his  soul  the  dagger  entered  then, 
And  clear  were  all  things  to  his  mental  ken. 
"These  fetters  are,"  said  Cortez,  "  but  your  due. 
Your     honored    chief — no     more — the     Spaniards 

slew, 
And  guilty,  with  your  chief,  perchance  are  you, 
But  I  will  now  unloose  your  binding  chains. 
For  mercy  is  an  attribute  of  Spain's." 
The  monarch  gave  him  thanks,  and  gifts  of  gold, 
And  of  his  friendship  for  the  Spaniards  told — 
He  Montezuma  yesterday  so  great. 
Who  ruled  a  realm,  and  lived  in  splendid  state : 
So  mighty  then,  so  abject  now,  so  low. 
A  sad  romance  was  this  of  Mexico. 
To  tyranny,  and  fate,  he  humbly  bowed — 
He  who  had  erst  been  proudest  of  the  proud. 
The  burning  of  the  chief,  and  all  his  train, 
The  valley  filled  with  terror,  and  with  pain, 
And  all  the  Aztecs  marvelled  o'er  the  deed, 
Nor  failed  in  this  still  greater  woes  to  read. 

xn. 

One  who  the  city  near — Tezcuco — ruled. 

And  who  in  native  war  was  deeply  schooled^ 

A  kinsman  *  of  the  captive  monarch,  too, 

Indignant  with  the  fierce  invaders  grew, 

And  vengeance  vowed  on  all  who'd  gathered  there, 

Nor  one  of  these,  his  country's  foes,  would  spare. 

But  Cortez  said  to  Montezuma — "Lo! 

Your  kinsman — yea,  your  nephew — is  my  foe, 

And  ere  he  strikes,  this  hand  must  leave  him  low. 

For  him  I  bid  you  swiftly  weave  a  snare, 

Or  you  no  more  may  breathe  your  native  air: " 

*  A  nephew. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  157 

And  by  the  snare,  by  Montezuma  laid, 

The  prince  who  sought  his  rescue  stood  betrayed, 

And  chained,  and  bound,  to  Mexico  was  borne 

O'er  cowardice,  and  perfidy  to  mourn. 

But  with  his  Aztec  pride  unbroken  still, 

And  dauntless  courage,  and  unyielding  will. 

While  like  him,  too,  by  Montezuma's  aid. 

His  comrades  in  the  league  were  captive  made. 

The  monarch  thus  the  Spaniards'  favor  won. 

And  Cortez  owned  he'd  noble  service  done. 

Of  his — his  captor's — wrath  he  lived  in  fear. 

And  sold  for  life  what  others  held  more  dear. 

Lo  !  on  the  necks  of  princes  conquest's  heel 

Was  planted  'neath  the  banner  of  Castile. 

The  priests  in  solemn  prayer  their  thanks  expressed, 

And  to  their  lips  their  crucifixes  pressed. 

XIII. 

"Allegiance,  Montezuma,  I  demand 
From  you  and  all  the  princes  in  the  land. 
And  all  must  render  tribute  unto  Spain, 
And  glorify  the  Spanish  sovereign's  reign." 
Thus  Cortez  spoke,  and  thus  the  king  replied — 
"  Crushed  in  the  dust  is  all  my  former  pride. 
A  captive  can  but  follow  where  you  guide." 
He  summoned,  then,  his  leaders  to  his  side. 
And  begged  them  all  allegiance  to  declare, 
And  love  fraternal  toward  the  Spaniards  bear. 
Amazed,  but  still  submissive, they  complied — 
Though  o'er  the  degradation,  deep,  they  sighed — 
And  tribute  sent  in  silver  and  in  gold 
To  which  the  monarch  added  wealth  untold.* 

*  The  whole  was  valued  at  about  six  millions,  three  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars  or  ^^  1,41 7,000,  exclusive  of  the  previous 
presents. 


158  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  spoils  with  avaricious  eyes  were  viewed, 

And  o'er  their  distribution  rose  a  feud, 

While   those   who   quarrelled   gambled   with   their 

gains. 
And  angry  blood  went  coursing  through  their  veins. 
Ere  long,  as  oft  before,  the  luckless  swore — 
With  every  peso  lost — they'd  play  no  more. 

XIV. 

Achieved  the  conquest  of  the  country  seemed, 
And  of  a  reign  of  triumph  Cortez  dreamed. 
But  this  still  lay  through  bloody  fields  remote  : 
Nor  yet  the  Aztecs  had  their  tyrants  smote. 
The  Aztec  faith  in  Aztec  breasts  remained 
Though  Aztec  temples  Christian  hands  profaned. 
Misguided  thousands  still  devoutly  stood 
In  prayer,  at  altars  red  with  human  blood, 
And  sacrifices — human — in  their  eyes — 
With  tragic  scenes  designed  to  agonize — 
Alone  their  wrathful  gods  would  satisfy. 
And  some  there  were  with  longings  thus  to  die. 
"  Idolatry  like  this,"  the  Spaniards  cried, 
"  We  pray  you  leave — with  one  consent — aside, 
And  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  address," 
But  they  idolaters  were  none  the  less. 
With  angry  eyes  the  Spaniards  on  them  looked, 
And  oft  were  they,  with  Christian  zeal,  rebuked. 
'"'' Mexitli^s  shrine,"  said  Cortez,  "shall  be  Thine  : 
Where  idols  are  I'll  raise  the  Cross  divine. 
And  in  the  fane  in  which  barbaric  rites 
Present  by  night  and  day  revolting  sights — 
And  earth  itself  by  these  are  now  defiled — 
I'll  bow  before  the  Virgin  and  the  Child." 
And  there,  where  Aztec  pagans  idols  praised, 
A  Christain  altar  richly  dight  was  raised. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  159 

And  side  by  side  the  Christians,  prone  to  prayer, 
And  pagans,  prone  to  slaughter,  worshipped  there. 
This  formed  a  strange,  and  inconsistent  scene. 
Which  ne'er  had  erst  in  heathen  lands  been  seen. 
Wild    chants,     and    shrill,    before    the    war-god's 

shrine  * 
Were  heard  above  the  Spanish  hymns  divine. 
Not  discord  thus  to  concord  e'er  could  lead, 
Nor  in  the  spirit  aught  but  anger  breed. 
The  profanation  of  their  sacred  fane 
The  Aztec  priesthood  filled  with  hate  of  Spain. 
These  on  their  people  called  the  foe  to  smite, 
And  put  the  pale  invading  host  to  flight. 
All  but  this  outrage  on  their  sacred  fanes 
The  Aztecs  bore  in  silence  ;  e'en  the  chains 
Of  captive  princes,  and  the  fun'ral  pyre 
Had  ne'er  aroused  their  deep  and  deadly  ire 
Like  this  foul  insult,  which  united  all. 
They  by  their  gods  resolved  to  stand  or  fall. 

XV. 

On  Tenochtitlan  seemed  to  fall  a  pall 
Of  darkness  and  of  gloom,  as  when  a  squall — 
Before  it  bursts  in  fury — shrouds  the  sky, 
And  warns  the  sailor  of  the  danger  nigh. 
Presaging  thunder,  lightning,  wind,  and  rain. 
And  foaming  billows  on  the  angry  main. 
Then  Montezuma  Cortez  warned  to  flee 
From  wrath  to  come,  and  shelter  seek  at  sea, 
"For  all,"  said  he,  "will  rise  at  one  command. 
And  slay  the  pale  invaders  of  the  land. 


*The  great  Teocalli,  or  Sanctuary,  of  Mexico  was  dedicated 
to  Mexitli,  or  Huitzilopotchli,  the  war-god  of  Anahuac,  or 
Mexico. 


i6o  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

If  you,  Malinche* — list — would  shun  the  fight 

From  Tenochtitlan  speed  ere  comes  the  night." 

Surprised,  and  startled,  but  with  courage  armed, 

No  sign  he  gave  that  Spaniards  felt  alarmed. 

He  calmly  to  the  monarch's  words  replied, 

And  wisely  pondered  ere  he  all  defied. 

"  'T  would  pain  me  much  so  quickly  hence  to  fly," 

The  Spaniard  spoke,  "  and,  then,  no  ships  have  I 

To  bear  me  o'er  the  vast,  cerulean  main 

To  tell  the  tale  of  Mexico  to  Spain. 

But  if  from  Tenochtitlan  I  should  go 

'T  would  only  swell  the  measure  of  your  woe, 

For  on  the  march  a  captive  you'd  remain, 

And  suffer  an  infinitude  of  pain. 

Then  spare  yourself  the  journey,  and  the  toil. 

By  pouring  on  the  troubled  waters  oil. 

Tell  all  your  sons  they'll  find  my  friendship  true. 

And  ne'er  the  Spaniard's  advent  here  will  rue." 

XVI. 

Still  darker  Montezuma's  brow  became 
On  comprehending  the  invader's  aim. 
A  captive  on  the  march  he  feared  to  be, 
And  longed  to  be  from  Spanish  thraldom  free. 
He  asked  how  soon  new  vessels  he  could  build, 
And  if  in  building  such  his  men  were  skilled. 
And  when  he  heard  from  Cortez  in  reply 
He  said,  with  kindling  lustre  in  his  eye, 
"  I'll  all  the  help  your  men  may  need  supply. 
To  fell  the  trees  that  nearest  court  the  sky, 
And  build  the  barks  to  bear  ye  from  the  soil. 
The  builders  of  the  ships  began  their  toil 

*The  name  bestowed  upon  both  Cortez  and  Marma  by  the 
Mexicans. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  i6i 

At  Villa  Rica,  near  the  ocean's  tide — 
The  Spaniard  and  the  Aztec  side  by  side — 
While  Mexico  in  sullen  mood  surveyed, 
And  Spanish  lips  for  God's  protection  prayed. 

In  Tenochtitlan — Mexico — no  more 

Time  passed  serenely  as  in  days  of  yore, 

For  haired  slumbered  in  the  nation's  breast, 

And  all  around  was  ominous  unrest.* 

The  Spanish  army  seemed  to  stand  at  bay  : 

Its  sentinels  were  doubled  night  and  day, 

And  many  a  brave  hidalgo  feared  a  doom 

More  dreadful  than  consignment  to  the  tomb — 

A  death  upon  the  sacrificial  stone, ' 

Where  oft  was  heard  some  dying  victim's  groan  ;  t 

But     boldly     there     the     Christians     stood     their 

ground. 
While  signs  of  siege  were  gath'ring  all  around. 
Six  months    had  passed — since    first  they  came — 

away, 
And  dark  the  prospect  now  before  them  lay. 
■"  Ere  long  from  Spain  a  fleet  may  find  its  way," 
The  trusting  Spaniards  oft  were  heard  to  say, 
And  oft  for  this  they  bent  their  knees  to  pray. 
With     fresh     supplies,     and     comrades,     new,    to 

cheer 
They  felt  of  future  conquest  scarce  a  fear, 
But  minus  these,  the  future  who  could  tell  ? 
And  some  to  Hope  were  prone  to  cry  farewell. 


*  This  was  the  condition  of  affairs  early  in  May,  1520, 
six  months  after  the  arrival  of  the  army  in  the  capital. 

t  The  victim  of  sacrifice  was  placed  on  a  large  flat  stone 
on  the  summit  of  the  temple  of  the  war  god,  and  slaugh- 
tered by  a  priest  making  an  incision  in  the  breast  and  pluck- 
ing out  with  his  hands  the  reeking  heart. 


i62  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO, 

PART  FOURTH. 

I. 

'T  WAS  then  from  Villa  Rica  tidings  came — 

Which  filled  the  camp  with  gladness,  and  acclaim — 

That  there  a  Spanish  fleet  one  morn  appeared, 

And  straight  for  Villa  Rica's  shelter  steered. 

But  soon  to  apprehension  joy  was  turned 

When  of  the  strange  armada  more  was  learned. 

Nine  hundred  men  and  eighteen  caravels, 

As  ancient  writ  the  simple  story  tells — 

In  days  like  those  a  mighty  armament — 

From  Cuba's  shore  Velasquez  there  had  sent 

To  take  from  Cortez  all  his  former  sway, 

And  force  his  band  Velasquez  to  obey. 

O'er  this  armada  Narvaez  *  held  command, 

And   cried — "  Surrender  ! "   when  he    touched   the 

land, 
And  all  his  men  exclaimed — "  With  Cortez  down  !  " 
And  camped  in  peace  in  Cempoalla's  town. 
"  Surrender  !   Cortez,"  cried  they,  "  now  your  sw^ord. 
Your  gold  and  silver — all  your  precious  hoard  ; 
Surrender  !  ye  at  Villa  Rica,  too," 
But  to  their  trust,  and  Cortez,  they  were  true, 
And  shouted  in  defiance — "  Spaniards,  nay. 
We'll  ne'er  surrender  while  our  chief's  away  !  " 

In  Tenochtitlan  Cortez  heard  the  news, 
And  then  resolved  to  perpetrate  a  ruse. 
"  You,  good  Olmedo,  both  my  priest  and  friend,t 

*  Pronounce  Narvaz. 

t  Father  Olmedo,  who  through  the  campaign  had  shown 
himself  able  and  discreet  in  secular  as  well  as  spiritual 
affairs. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  163 

To  Narvaez  with  the  olive-branch  I'll  send. 

A  welcome  to  my  rival  I'll  extend, 

But  all  my  rights  as  captain  still  defend. 

I'll  greet  him  as  a  comrade  where  he  stands, 

But  spurn  his  chief,  and  all  that  chief's  demands. 

He'll  ne'er,  I  know,  consent  to  this — not  he. 

Let  this,  howe'er,  your  mission  seem  to  be. 

And  keep  concealed  your  object  from  his  ken — 

To  gain  adherents  there  among  his  men  ; 

For  we,  with  these  divided,  ne'er  can  fail 

Success  to  reap  when  we  his  ranks  assail. 

The  diplomatic  task  with  speed  begin, 

And  strive  by  words  from  anger  these  to  win. 

Go  seek  the  camp  and  turn  our  foes  to  friends. 

Be  rich  in  promise,  so  to  serve  your  ends, 

And  scatter  gold  through  all  the  hostile  camp. 

Nor  tardy  be  a  wondrous  tale  to  vamp 

Of  Mexico — a  great  and  dazzling  prize — 

The  fruit  of  our  unrivalled  enterprise — 

Whose  like  has  ne'er  in  other  lands  been  seen — 

And  from  its  riches  all  who  come  can  glean." 

Olmedo  went,  and  served  his  leader  well 

Ere  out  of  favor  he  with  Narvaez  fell. 

Then  he  was  seized  and,  guarded,  sent  away, 

No  more  within  the  hostile  camp  to  pray. 

But  ere  he  left  he'd  sown  dissension's  seeds. 

Which  were  anon  to  germinate  in  deeds. 

The  new  commander  spurned  his  rival's  claims, 

And  uttered  threats  of  sentence  to  the  flames 

If  Cortez  bade  defiance  to  his  sway. 

But  promised  much  if  he'd  his  rule  obey. 

II. 

To  Tenochtitlan  back  Olmedo  sped, 
And  told  to  Cortez  all  that  Narvaez  said, 


i64  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  all  he'd  done  adherent  troops  to  gain — 

To  serve  the  cause  of  Jesus,  and  of  Spain. 

Then  Cortez  saw  with  some  chagrin,  and  pain, 

In  Tenochtitlan  he  must  now  remain 

To  meet  the  onset  of  this  daring  foe, 

Or  boldly  to  his  camp — to  battle — go. 

A  scanty  force  had  he  to  charge  him  there. 

But  fruit  Olmedo's  words  perchance  would  bear, 

And,  though  the  bolder  course,  he'd  this  pursue, 

And  Alvarado  leave — a  soldier  true — * 

In  Mexico  the  garrison  to  rule. 

And  warn  him  to  be  prudent,  firm,  and  cool. 

He  left  him  forty  and  a  hundred  men  f 

To  guard  the  fallen  monarch  in  his  den. 

And  overawe  a  nation  prone  to  arms — 

A  land  already  rife  with  wild  alarms. 

The  dike  across  the  silent  lake  he  trod, 

While  prayers  he  breathed  of  gratitude  to  God. 

"  I  go,"  said  he,  "  with  scanty  troops  to  fight 

In  what  I  deem  the  sacred  cause  of  Right. 

But  sixty-nine  intrepid  souls  have  I 

With  which  imposing  numbers  to  defy. 

Yet  on  their  arms  for  triumph  I  rely. 

They're  of  my  army's  chivalry  the  bloom, 

And  fear  no  more  their  foemen  than  their  tomb. 

May  Samson's  strength  to  ev'ry  arm  be  lent ! " 

Great  Montezuma  with  the  Spaniards  went 

In  royal  state  beyond  the  city's  gate, 

Then  parted  with  no  outward  sign  of  hate, 


*  Pedro  de  Alvarado,  the  TonatiuJi  of  the  Mexicans. 

t  In  addition  to  this  number  of  Spaniards  there  were  left  In 
the  garrison  on  the  departure  of  Cortez  from  the  city  of 
Mexico  about  6,500  Tlascalans,  and  Cempoallans.  He  left 
about  the  middle  of  May,  1520,  more  than  six  months  after 
his  arrival  there. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  165 

Escorted  to  his  prison  by  his  foes 
To  meditate  again  o'er  all  his  woes. 

III. 

Ere  long  Cholula  met  the  Spaniards'  view, 
And  long-expected  comrades  near  them  drew. 
De  Leon  *  first,  then  Sandoval,  appeared. 
And  loudly  the  approaching  columns  cheered. 
The  little  band  now  nigh  quadrupled  pressed 
Right  on  to  meet  the  foe,  nor  paused  for  rest, 
But  at  the  dead  of  night  the  camp  surprised. 
And,  rushing  in,  the  troops  demoralized. 
Then  Narvaez,  springing  from  his  hammock  bed, 
Was  captive  made,  and  up  to  Cortez  led. 
"  Surrender!  "  was  the  victor's  thrilling  cry. 
And — *'  We  surrender !  "  was  the  camp's  reply. 
Thus  many  yielded  quickly  to  the  few, 
And  in  the  fight  but  little  blood  they  drew. 
The  victors  and  the  conquered  one  became, 
And  followed  Cortez,  sharers  in  his  fame. 
The  vanquished  leaders  were  alone  consigned 
To  such  a  fate  as  they'd  for  him  designed. 
And  sent  to  Vera  Cruz  in  chains  to  toil, 
All  helpless  now  his  daring  schemes  to  foil. 
Capricious  Fortune  played  fantastic  tricks, 
Nor  slow  was  she  the  bitter  draught  to  mix. 

Around  them  lay  a  region  of  delight 

Where  earth  and  sky  with  tropic  tints  were  bright. 

*  Velasquez  De  Leon,  who  had  previously  been  sent  by 
Cortez  to  form  a  colony,  with  a  hundred  and  twenty  Spanish 
troops,  joined  Cortez  at  Cholula,  and  Sandoval,  soon  after- 
wards, with  sixty  men  from  the  garrison  at  Vera  Cruz.  The 
army  of  Cortez  now  numbered  two  hundred  and  sixty-six 
men,  five  of  whom  were  mounted. 


x66  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

To  yellow  cedars  passion-flowers  clung, 

And  birds  amid  their  wealth  of  verdure  sung. 

Silk-cotton  trees  their  lengthy  branches  spread 

Umbrella-like — fantastic — overhead, 

And  threw  around  their  buttresses  to  shield — 

The  strangest  forms  in  Flora's  fertile  field."* 

Macaws  and  parrots,  rich  in  many  a  hue, 

Both  in  and  out  of  leafy  bowers  flew. 

The  monkeys  froHcked  in  the  almond-trees,  ' 

And  cherimoyas  trembled  in  the  breeze. 

Where  water-lilies  grew  the  heron  soared, 

And  pomegranate  boughs  revealed  their  hoard, 

While,  far  and  near,  a  wealth  of  maize  was  seen, 

And  here,  and  there,  palmettos  graced  the  scene. 

Ananas,  and  bananas — gold  and  green — 

In  rich  profusion,  charmed  the  searching  eye, 

And  gorgeous  insects  wandered  idly  by 

To  sip  the  nectar  from  the  rose's  bloom, 

And  revel  in  the  jessamine's  perfume. 

The  glossy-leaved  magnolia  arose. 

Its  sweet  and  creamy  blossoms  to  disclose. 

While  mangoes  waved  among  the  nodding  palms, 

And  aromatic  shrubs  diffused  their  balms. 

The  tamarind,  with  elephantine  trunk, 

From  all  the  wild-fig's  close  embraces  shrunk, 

But  shrank  in  vain  :  it  climbed  it  to  its  crown. 

And,  swaying  in  the  wind,  threw  blossoms  down. 

The  land  was  clad  with  verdure  to  the  shore. 

Where,  too,  a  tinge  of  green  the  ocean  wore. 

Though  far  away  its  color  changed  to  blue. 

And  on  the  line  which  bounded  human  view 

It  softly  blended  with  the  bending  sky, 

As  deep  and  clear  as  indigo  in  dye. 


*  The   silk-cotton   tree  throws  out  its   flat  buttresses,  and 
spreads  its  brandies  one  or  two  hundred  feet  in  diameter. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  167 

IV. 

Across  the  mountain  range  the  tidings  flew — 

Which  Cortez  found  were  but,  alas!  too  true — 

That  slaughter  was  in  Tenochtitlan  rife, 

And  all  the  city  filled  with  sounds  of  strife. 

He  to  the  army's  valor  now  appealed, 

And  into  line  with  one  acclaim  they  wheeled — 

A  thousand  foot,  a  hundred  horse,  with  spears, 

While  martial  music  lulled  their  rising  fears. 

On    toward    the    mountains,    looming   high,    they 

marched. 
And    'neath    the   burning    sun    with     thirst   were 

parched. 
At  length  they  climbed  the  steep  Sierra's  slope, 
With  wearied  limbs,  but  full  of  ardent  hope. 
And  saw  above  them  rise  volcanic  smoke, 
While  on  their  view  a  charming  prospect  broke. 
Dark  forests  of  the  cedar  and  the  pine. 
With  here  and  there  a  cypress  and  a  vine 
Around  them  grew ;  through  which  they,  now  and 

then. 
Caught  glimpses  of  a  chasm,  or  a  glen, 
Or  sweeping  valleys  in  the  depths  below. 
Refulgent  with  a  semi-tropic  glow. 
Then  from  the  Cordillera's  crest  they  gazed 
Upon  a  scene  that  all,  with  pleasure,  praised. 
The  broad  expanse  of  country  they  had  crossed 
Before  them  spread,  till  far.  away  't  was  lost 
In  fair  Cholula's  plains  of  living  green. 
While  to  the  west  the  valley's  charms  were  seen — 
Its  lakes  still  trembling  in  the  shining  light, 
And  on  their  bosom  towns  and  hamlets,  bright ; — 
Its  fanes  surmounted  by  a  gleam  of  fire,  * 

*The  teocallis  had  blazing  fires  on  their  summits  night  and 
day. 


1 68  THE  CONQUEST  OE  MEXICO. 

Sustained  by  hands  that  never  seemed  to  tire  ; — 
Its  cultivated  slopes  and  sombre  hills, 
Its  blooming  orchards,  and  its  sparkling  rills ; 
While    at    their    feet,    'yond    groves    of    cypress, 

lay 
Tezcuco,  t  flashing  in  the  beams  of  day,     ' 
And  in  the  distance  Mexico  reposed. 
Its  varied  splendors  to  the  eye  disclosed. 

V. 

As  down  the  western  slope  the  troops  defiled, 

No  longer  on  their  ranks  the  natives  smiled. 

For  hatred  and  distrust  inspired  them  all, 

And  by  their  country  they  would  stand  or  fall — 

Fight  to  repel  the  fierce  invading  foe, 

Whose  deeds  had  plunged  all  Mexico  in  woe. 

No  longer  to  their  banner  thousands  flocked, 

And,  there  disporting,  nigh  their  pathway  blocked. 

A  sullen  silence  ev'rywhere  prevailed, 

Nor  were  they,  as  before,  with  cheer  regaled. 

The  people  fled  their  presence,  as  a  pest. 

By  dark  forebodings,  wrath,  and  grief  oppressed. 

So  unopposed  they  gained  the  palace  yard, 

Where  Alvarado's  troops  were  still  on  guard. 

Awaiting  their  commander's  slow  return 

With  anxious  hearts  that  never  ceased  to  yearn. 

There  Cortez  sought  the  story  of  the  strife. 

Which  nigh  had  ended  ev'ry  soldier's  life. 

The  storm  had  for  the  moment  lulled,  but  lo ! 

Like  an  avenging  angel,  sure  if  slow, 

Came  Famine  to  destroy  ;  and  slumb'ring  fires 

Might  soon — perchance — be  turned  to  fun'ral  pyres. 


t  The  city   of  Tezcuco,   by  which   the    Spaniards,  on  this 
occasion,  entered  the  valley. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  169 

In  Tenochtitlan  one  inspiring  clay — 

When  earth  was  loaded  with  the  bloom  of  May — 

The  Mexicans  had  gathered  in  their  fane, 

Where  worshipped,  too,  the  heroes  born  of  Spain. 

A  festival  they'd  met  to  celebrate — 

MexitWs  day — the  war-god's  solemn  y?/^. 

The  Aztec  nobles  gathered  there  in  state 

All  unsuspicious  of  their  coming  fate, 

And  worshipped,  with  the  throng,  before  the  shrine, 

The  God  Mexitli^  whom  they  deemed  divine. 

For  this  his  sanction  Alvarado  gave, 

And  old  and  young  were  there — the  fair  and  brave — 

The  high,  the  low,  the  giddy  and  the  grave. 

Their  gala  costumes,  and  their  jewels  bright, 

Were  picturesque  and  comely  to  the  sight, 

And  in  the  dance,  exciting,  music  wild 

Wailed  through  the  mighty  temple  like  a  child. 

A  signal,  and  with  suddenness  there  sprang — 

While  cries  of  terror  through  the  building  rang — 

The  armored  Christians  on  the  heathen  mass, 

And  slaughtered  right  and  left  until — alas  ! 

Six  hundred  slain  lay  wel'tring  in  their  gore 

On  that  great  temple's  tessellated  floor. 

Not  one  escaped  of  all  within  the  walls 

To  tell  of  deeds  whose  chronicle  appalls. 

The  Aztec  nation's  proudest  nobles  fell, 

And   through    the    land    was    heard    their    doleful 

knell. 
This  wanton  carnage  roused  its  sons  to  arms — 
For  they  were  stung  by  losses,  griefs,  alarms, — 
And  all  resolved  the  slaughter  to  avenge — 
To  seek  through  blood,  a  terrible  revenge. 
Cholula's  dreadful  massacre  had  paled 
When  they  this  awful  sacrifice  bewailed. 


170  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  ruthless  soldiers  plundered  all  the  dead, 
For  av'rice  to  the  cruel  carnage  led ;  » 

Though    Alvarado,  too,  had  deemed  it  wise 
To  fill  the  land  with  terror  and  surprise. 
He  safety  hoped  in  Aztec  fears  to  find, 
But  to  his  duty  proved  he  foully  blind. 

With  one  accord  the  Aztec  people  rose 
And  crowded  round  the  palace  of  their  foes, 
Who  battled  hard  to  hold  them  all  at  bay. 
Their  superstitious  dread,  before  displayed. 
Had  passed  away.     No  more  they  seemed  afraid 
Of  Spanish  shot,  and  bright  Toledo  steel. 
Relentless  fury  it  was  theirs  to  feel. 
Some  tried  to  scale  the  walls,  or  lay  them  low ; 
And  some  to  strike  by  other  means  a  blow. 
But    while     they    stormed     the     battlements,    be- 
hold! 
Great  Montezuma,  looking  as  of  old, 
(He  thus  to  do,  was  by  his  captors  told,) 
Appeared  in  sight  to  mollify  their  rage. 
Nor  slow  was  he  their  anger  to  assuage. 
"  I'll  lose,"  said  he,  "  if  you  persist,  my  life  ; 
So  pause,  my  sons,  in  this  appalling  strife." 
They    ceased     to     storm     the     Spanish     quarters 

more. 
But  not  their  struggle  with  their  foes  was  o'er. 

To  starve  them  to  surrender,  now,  they  tried, 

And,  by  blockading,  all  their  arts  defied. 

Both  food  and  water  were,  alike,  cut  off. 

And  at  their  sorry  plight  they  learned  to  scoff ; 

But  Alvarado's  soldiers  found  a  spring  ! 

"  The    Virgin    sent,"    they   cried,    *'  this    precious 

thing!" 
And  this  averted  death,  perchance,  to  all, 


THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  MEXICO.  1 7 1 

Though    wounds    and    sickness,  still    might   well 

appall.* 
Their  only  hope  was  now  their  chief's  return, 
The  battle  tide  against  their  foes  to  turn. 
He  came  while,  thus  beleaguered,  they  invoked 
The  mercy  of  the  nation  they'd  provoked. 

VII. 

When  Cortez  heard  the  tragic  story  through, 

He  cried,  "  'T  was  simple  folly  thus  to  do  I 

You,  Alvarado,  will  your  rashness  rue  ! 

You  ne'er  Conciliation's  arts  employed, 

But  peace,  by  useless  carnage,  you  destroj^ed, 

And  that  when  all  for  warfare  unprepared. 

To  disobey  my  orders — mark !  — you've  dared. 

Nor     yet     for     those     you     governed     have     you 

cared. 
All  Mexico  we've  now,  perchance,  to  fight, 
And  we  alone  may  refuge  find  in  flight. 
'Tis  well  that  we  are  stronger  than  before  ;t 
But  hark  !  what's  that  ?     I  hear  a  sullen  roar !" 

With  terror  breathless,  in  a  picket  rushed — 
His  body  wounded,  and  his  helmet  crushed. 
"Once  more  the  city's  all  in  arms  !  "  he  cried, 
"And  toward  us  rolls  a  surging  human  tide ! 
The  dikes  are  open,  and  the  bridges  raised ! 
The  Virgin  save  us,  and  her  name  be  praised !  " 


*  Seven  Spaniards  and  many  Tlascalans  had  died  and  there 
was  hardly  one  of  either  nation  who  had  not  received  several 
wounds. 

t  The  army  within  the  fortress  was  at  this  time  composed 
of  about  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  Spaniards  and  eight  thou- 
sand native  warriors,  chiefly  Tlascalans. 


172  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO 

VIII. 

The  hoarse  and  sullen  sound  to  clamor  grew 

As  nearer  to  the  garrison  it  drew, 

Till  from  the  summit  of  the  outer  wall 

The  scene  was  one  to  sadden  and  appall. 

The  highways  seemed  with  warlike  masses  dark, 

Whose  weapons  had  the  fortress  for  their  mark. 

Shngs,  spears  and  arrows  they,  with  courage  bore  ; 

And  shrill  their  music  rose  above  the  roar, 

While  all  the  roofs  around,  with  crowds,  were  filled, 

Who  in  the  use  of  native  arms  were  skilled. 

As  if  by  magic  these  had  risen  up 

To  make,  in  blood,  their  foes  of  sorrow  sup, 

And  there  their  missiles  brandished  high,  and  threw. 

Thick  in  the  palace  yard  their  arrows  flew  ! 

The  silence  that  prevailed  when  Cortez  came 
Thus  proved  to  be  strategic  in  its  aim. 
With  all  the  Spanish  forces  here  enclosed, 
And  all  the  channels  from  the  city  closed 
The  Aztec  triumph  seemed  already  gained, 
For  time  would  do  the  work  that  still  remained. 
The  prelude  to  an  awful  storm  behold  ! 
Around  the  palace  walls  the  masses  rolled  ! 


PART  FIFTH. 
I. 


The  Spanish  trumpets  called  the  troops  to  arms. 
The  stirring  blast,  which  cowardice  disarms. 
Aroused  the  camp  to  action.      Ev'ry  man 
Was  at  his  post  before  the  strife  began  : — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  173 

The  cavalry,  well  mounted  for  the  fray, 
Prepared,  with  gleaming  swords,  the  foe  to  slay  ; 
The  gunners  at  their  guns,  with  eager  eye. 
That  seemed  the  Aztec  nation  to  defy ; 
The  musket-men*  and  archers,  rank  on  rank. 
And  native  allies  massed  upon  their  flank. 

The  Aztecs  onward  came  in  columns  bright. 
Their  spears  and  helmets  gleaming  in  the  light. 
Their  banners  waving  o'er  the  moving  tide — 
Which  spread  before  the  vision,  far  and  wide — 
Their  whistles  wildly  rising,  shrill  and  clear, 
And  falling,  like  an  echo,  on  the  ear. 
Above  the  sound  of  atabal  and  shell. 
And  clanging  copper — the  avenging  knell. 
Then,  from  their  hands,  a  storm  of  weapons  flew — 
Stones,  darts  and  arrows,  and  some  lances,  too — 
Which,  thick  as  rain,  on  the  beleaguered  fell ; 
While  from  the  roofs  and  terraces  as  well. 
Came  volleys,  dense,  with  savage  fury  thrown. 
The  storm  a  roaring  tempest  now  had  grown  ! 
When  hark  !  the  cannon  boomed,  the  missiles  flew. 
And  ploughed  the  ranks  of  the  besiegers  through. 
They  sank  by  hundreds  into  Death's  embrace. 
But  still  fresh  thousands  swelled  into  their  place. 
Though,  with  bewildered  looks,  all  stood  aghast 
Before  the  horrors  of  this  roaring  blast — 
This  deadly  hail,  this  all  terrific  fire! 
Again  the  cannon  boomed,  and  carnage,  dire. 
Their  masses  swept,  in  long  and  gashing  lines  ; 
And  o'er  the  bodies  of  their  comrades  dead 
They  struggled  on,  and  bravely  fought  and  bled ; 
While  piercing  cries  they  uttered  as  they  rushed 
To  strike  the  foe,  ere  falling  they  were  crushed  ! 

*  Arqucbusiers. 


174  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  guns  still  thundered,  and  their  thousands  slew, 

But  nearer  to  their  mouths  the  Aztecs  drew, 

With  broken  ranks,  and  mangled  limbs,  yet  brave, 

Determined,  if  they  could,  their  land  to  save. 

To  boldly  scale  the  parapet  they  tried. 

But  ere  they  reached  the  other  side  they  died. 

Their  comrades  followed  over  piles  of  slain, 

The  inner  courtyard  of  the  fort  to  gain, 

And  like  them  perished  on  the  rampart's  height. 

Yet,  undismayed,  none  shrank  before  the  sight. 

To  make  a  breach  within  the  wall  they  strove, 

And,  ram-like,  fallen  trees  against  it  drove, 

But  failed  in  this  :  next,  burning  arrows  threw 

To  fire  the  buildings,  when  there  rose  to  view 

A  cloud  of  smoke,  with  tongues  of  lurid  flame, 

Which  all  the  Aztecs  hailed  with  one  acclaim. 

This  fresh  disaster  all  within  deplored ; 

No  water  they,  to  quench  it,  could  afford. 

And  so  the  dreaded  conflagration  spread — 

By  stables,  sheds,  and  barrack-houses  fed — 

While  consternation  through  the  ranks  prevailed. 

Another  foe  their  safety  now  assailed. 

The  palace,  built  of  stone,  alone  escaped. 

And  that  was  with  a  shroud  of  blackness  draped. 

Within  the  outworks  raged  the  roaring  fiend. 

And  none  were  from  its  growing  fury  screened. 

"  Down  with  the  wall  and  stay  the  march  of  fire, 
Or  we  shall  be  o'erwhelmed  with  losses,  dire  ! " 
Cried  Cortez,  with  a  glance  that  swept  the  scene : 
"Plant  cannon  in  the  breach,  and  musketeers,* 
And  for  the  rest,  my  comrades,  have  no  fears  !  " 
Then  with  revengeful  fury  rushed  the  foe 
To  storm  the  gap,  and  strike  their  tyrants  low, 

*  Arquebusiers. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  175 

But  they  were  mowed  by  Death's  relentless  scythe, 

Or,  wounded,  left  in  agonies  to  writhe, 

As  fast  as,  forward,  to  the  breach  they  sprang, 

While  yells  terrific  from  their  masses  rang, 

And  groans  amid  the  battle-cries  were  heard. 

Then,  through  the  air,  a  cloud  of  arrows  whirred, 

And  fiercer  still  the  bloody  battle  raged. 

Through    fire,    and    smoke,    and   thunder,    it   was 

waged 
From  morn  to  eve,  throughout  the  livelong  day. 
Then,  with  her  sable  wings.  Night  hushed  the  fray. 
For  darkness  lulled  the  Aztecs  to  repose ; 
And  there  they  lay,  on  arms,  before  their  foes, 
Awaiting  vengeance,  and  the  morrow's  dawn, 
Their  crowded  ranks  in  martial  order  drawn. 

II. 

Then  Cortez  to  Marina  turned,  and  said — 

"  Not  only  have  I  fought  this  day,  but  bled, 

And  so,  methinks,  have  all  that  I  have  led. 

1  ne'er  had  dreamed,  against  a  force  so  great, 

The  Aztec  foe  would  prove  so  obstinate. 

For  ne'er  before  they  showed  unflinching  front. 

Or  braved  the  battle's  devastating  brunt 

With  courage  so  undaunted  and  sustained. 

And    skill,  which  shows    that  they   to    war    were 

trained. 
Why  rose  they  not  their  sovereign  to  defend. 
When  to  my  will  I  made  him  humbly  bend  t 
This  inconsistency  is  strange  indeed  ; 
But  of  fresh  courage  they  will  soon  have  need. 
Such  fire  as  theirs  must  quickly  burn  away  ! 
But,  while  it  lasts,  their  thousands  I  will  slay. 
To-morrow's  morn  will  see  me  sally  out, 
And  with  my  troops  their  countless  legions  rout !  " 


176  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO, 

Marina  listened  with  a  pensive  air, 

And    features    touched    with    anguish,    grief,    and 

care. 
While  in  her  eyes  Hope  struggled  with  Despair : — 
So  black,  and  lustrous,  and  withal  so  sad, 
They  looked  as  though  they'd  nevermore  be  glad. 
Her  glossy,  raven  hair  caressed  her  breast. 
Which  swelled,  and  sank,  with  feelings  of  unrest, 
And  o'er  her  beauty  mourning  threw  a  veil : 
She  felt  her  nature  'neath  the  struggle  quail. 
"Alas  !  "  she  cried,  "our  doom,  I  fear,  is  sealed. 
We  need  for  our  defence,  a  stronger  shield 
Than  any  we  possess.     The  war-god's  rage. 
When  once  aroused,  can  hardly  be  assuaged. 
Save  by  the  blood  of  those  who  braved  his  hate. 
I  dread,  Malinche,  our  impending  fate. 
'T  was  folly  to  provoke  him  to  the  strife — 
Involving  such  dread  sacrifice  of  life — 
When  you,  and  all  who  followed  where  you  led, 
Were  by  the  people  reverenced,  and  fed. 
Our  only  hope  of  safety  lies  in  flight — 
Flight  under  cover  of  the  shades  of  night — 
And  woe  to  you,  and  all  within  these  walls. 
If  you  neglect  the  warning  voice  that  calls ! 
I  love  you  well,  Malinche,  as  you  know. 
And  hence  would  save  you  from  this  pending  woe. 
Till  death  in  life  I'll  ever  faithful  be. 
And  with  you,  where  you  go,  I'll  gladly  flee." 

The  brow  of  Cortez  darkened  as  he  heard 

These    warning   words.       "  I    know,"    said  he,    "  I 

erred 
In  leaving  Alvarado  in  command, 
For  he  in  blood,  by  rashness,  plunged  the  land, 
But  ne'er  will  I  give  way  to  woman's  fears. 
Nor  from  my  course  be  moved  by  woman's  tears. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  177 

For  me  there's  nought  remaining  but  to  fight, 
And  only  if  compelled  I'll  take  to  flight." 

III. 

To  Spanish  eyes  the  morrow's  dawn  revealed 

A  vast  besieging  army  in  the  field — 

More  vast  than  on  the  last  preceding  eve, 

And  massed  in  swaying  columns,  deep,  and  dense, 

Awaiting  word,  the  battle  to  commence ; 

Not  in  disorder,  as  they  first  appeared, 

But  as  a  foe  well  ordered,  to  be  feared, 

With  banners  flying,  and  by  leaders  led, 

Each  with  a  feathered  casque  upon  his  head,—* 

A  metal  plate  from  harm  to  shield  his  breast. 

And  in  a  coat  of  plumage,  brightly  dressed. 

High  Anahuac's  t  standard  waved  o'er  all — 

An  eagle  on  its  prey  about  to  fall, 

That  prey  an  ocelot  emblazoned  there — 

While  cries,  for  vengeance,  floated  on  the  air. 

Save  sashes  round  their  loins,  no  raiment  wore 

The  sea  of  troops  %  that  swelled,  the  view  before. 

But  they  were  armed  with   maguas,  §    slings,    and 

spears, 
And  courage,  which  divested  them  of  fears. 

The  battle  opened  with  the  cannon's  roar, 
And  through  their  ranks  the  balls,  and  bullets  tore. 
Confusion  followed,  then  the  sortie  came, 
Which  devastated  like  a  sheet  of  flame. 

*  The  casque  resembled  the  head  of  some  animal,  over- 
hung with  brilliantly  colored  plumes. 

t  Anahuac  was  the  Aztec  name  of  Mexico,  and  this  was  its 
ancient  banner,  showing  an  eagle  pouncing  on  an  ocelot. 

}  The  common  soldiery. 

§  lYie'maguahuitl'wz.s  the  Aztec  tomahawk  slung  at  the  back. 


178  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  gates  flew  open,  and  the  cavalry 
By  Cortez  led — who  gave  his  battle-cry — 
Rushed  out  at  flying  gallop.     Then  came  on 
The  infantry,  well  armed,  who  fought  as  one ; 
And  after  them  the  Tlascalans  deployed. 
All  these  were  in  the  fierce  attack  employed. 
The  foe  were  trampled  down  by  horses,  fleet. 
And  writhed  beneath  the  native  allies'  feet — 
Cut  by  the  lance,  the  dart,  the  spear,  the  sword — 
While  still  the  loud-mouthed    cannon   round  them 

roared. 
Pierced  by  the  speeding,  deadly,  leaden  ball, 
They  fell  as  only  battling  heroes  fall — 
Fell  striking  for  their  altars,  and  their  fires, 
Fell  in  defence  of  country,  and  their  sires — 
Fell  with  unbroken  courage  in  their  eyes, 
While  to  the  last  defiant  were  their  cries. 
They  died,  but  not  despairing  of  the  end, — 
The  sacred  cause  they  struggled  to  defend, — 
And  left  their  comrades  to  prolong  the  fight, — - 
To  strike  for  life,  and  liberty,  and  Right ; 
And  bravely  they  returned  the  tyrants'  blows. 
And  sank  by  thousands  in  the  battle's  throes; 
Nor  one  for  mercy  e'er  the  foe  beseeched. 
The  routed  Aztecs  rallied  as  they  reached 
A  barricade  that  stretched  across  the  road. 
And  made  a  gallant  stand,  while  onward  rode 
The  cavalry  in  haste,  but  here  were  checked. 
And  not  till  cannon  came,  the  screen  was  wrecked. 
But  all  around  the  Aztec  army  hung, 
And  at  the  Spanish  troops  their  weapons  flung, 
While  to  their  horses'  legs  some  bravely  clung, 
Esteeming  vengeance  dearer  far  than  life. 
And  perished  in  the  thickest  of  the  strife. 
Some  from  their  saddles  riders  strove  to  tear — 
Moved  by  ferocity,  revenge,  despair — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  179 

And  woe  to  those  thus  captured.     They  were  slain 
Upon  the  spot,  or  in  the  war-god's  fane, 
Beneath  the  Aztec's  sacrificial  knife. 
Where  all  around  was  eloquent  of  strife. 

A  storm  of  stones,  and  missiles  from  the  roofs, 

To  Cortez  gave,  of  havoc,  painful  proofs. 

He  saw  his  soldiers  from  their  horses  fall ; 

He  heard,  from  roof  to  roof,  the  battle  call. 

And   still   the  volleys   poured.     "  The    torch  ! "  he 

cried. 
And  to  the  buildings  this  was  soon  applied. 
When,  though  of  stone,  they  succumbed  to  the  fire. 
And  every  house  became  a  fun'ral  pyre. 
For  all  within,  combustive,  felt  the  flame. 
While  Spanish  voices  rose  in  loud  acclaim. 
But  still  the  progress  of  the  flames  was  slow, 
Canals,  and  bridges,  intersected  so. 
Yet  hundreds  of  the  habitations  fell. 
Ere  the  invaders  ceased  the  work  of  hell. 
Though  backward  forced  the  Aztecs  kept  the  field, 
Prepared  to  fight,,  and  die,  but  ne'er  to  yield. 
In  sallies,  and  retreats,  they  spent  the  day — 
The  native  army  still  in  dense  array, 
The  Spanish  forces  lessened  by  the  fray. 
At  length  by  toil,  and  hunger,  overcome. 
With  carnage  sated,  too,  they  heard  the  drum, 
Which,  to  their  quarters,  ordered  quick  retreat. 
But  harrowed  were  the  troops  along  the  street 
By  tens  of  thousands,  who  with  flights  of  stones — 
And  flying  arrows,  and  derisive  groans — 
Saluted  the  receding  cavaliers, 
While  bitter  were  the  taunts  that  reached  their  ears. 

The  troops  rejoined  their  comrades  in  the  fort. 
And,  of  their  woes,  their  foes  made  savage  sport, 


i8o  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  uttered  threats  of  sacrifice,  and  death, 

To  which  some  listened  with  abated  breath. 

The  dying  day  sank  in  the  arms  of  Night, 

And  with  the  darkness  ceased  the  bloody  fight, 

But  all  around  the  fortress  camped  the  foe 

In  numbers  vast — no  less  they  seemed  to  grow — 

Another  dawn  awaiting,  undismayed. 

Nor  of  the  fate  of  those  no  more,  afraid. 

Through  seas  of  blood,  they  stood  prepared  to  wade, 

Nor  cared  if  they,  in  dust,  were,  like  them,  laid, 

If  only  they  could  rescue  Mexico 

From  all  her  deep,  unutterable  woe. 

By  trampling  the  invading  army  low. 

IV. 

Exhausted  by  the  turmoil  of  the  day, 

And  wounded  sorely  in  the  awful  fray,* 

The  Spanish  leader  brooded  o'er  the  scene, 

And  to  Marina  told  his  anguish,  keen, 

While  tenderly  he  gazed  into  her  eyes : — 

"  Dark  is  the  prospect  that  before  us  lies. 

Sweet  Senorita,  and  our  enterprise 

Is  menaced  with  destruction.     You  were  wise 

In  counselling  retreat,  but  I  mistook 

The  signs,  and  now  your  words  my  acts  rebuke. 

Such  fury  I  am  helpless  to  restrain. 

But  Montezuma  lives,  and  not  in  vain 

I'll  turn,  perchance,  to  him,  the  storm  to  calm, 

And  to  this  ghastly  scene  bring  healing  balm. 

He  languishes,  we  know,  alone,  and  sad. 

Yet  when  he  learns  to  leave  that  we'll  be  glad 

If  he'll  but  open  wide  for  us  the  way — 

*  Cortez  sustained  a  severe  wound  in  the  left  hand  during 
the  action. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  18 1 

Nor  linger  where  we  stand  another  day — 

He'll  feel  again  in  spirit  bright  and  gay. 

Should  he  refuse  to  pacify  the  crowd, 

I'll  threaten  him,  nor  idly,  with  a  shroud, 

And  on  to-morrow's  eve  prepare  for  flight, 

Protected  by  the  raven  wing  of  Night."  ' 

Marina,  in  his  language,  found  delight; 

*'  Malinche  "  *  she  replied,  "  you  think  aright. 

To  persevere,  to  linger  longer  here 

Would  be  like  self-destruction — madness  clear, 

Yet  who  can  say  't  is  not  too  late  to  fly  ? 

Before  to-morrow's  eve  we  all  may  die  ! 

We're  standing  on  volcanoes,  so  beware, 

Though  for  a  moment,  feel  not  thou  despair. 

'Tis  well  to  Montezuma  to  appeal. 

But  trust  thou  more  thy  bright  unfailing  steel. 

He  may  with  thy  request,  in  fear, comply. 

And  yet,  their  king,  the  people  may  defy. 

To  thee  they  deemed  him  craven  thus  to  yield ; 

Another  leads  his  forces  in  the  field, 

And  he,  no  more,  doth  here  his  scepter  wield. 

Their  fury  was,  through  him,  restrained  at  first, 

But  now  the  pent-up  hurricane  has  burst. 

It  rends  my  heart  to  see  my  kinsmen  slain ; 

To  find  thee  wounded,  too,  it  gives  me  pain ; 

To  see  us  all  in  peril  grieves  me  more. 

But  I  am  thine — come  what  may — evermore." 

V. 

Cool,  clear,  and  gray,  another  dawn  appeared — 
A  day,  whose  sequel  all  the  Spaniards  feared — 
And  soon  the  sun  in  all  his  glory  rose 

*  Marina,  like  other  Mexicans,  addressed  Cortez  by  the  name 
given  to  him,  and  her,  by  the  Aztecs. 


i82  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

To  shed  impartial  light  on  friends,  and  foes, 

And  wake  the  armies  from  their  night's  repose. 

The  hills  with  rich  and  vivid  rays  were  crowned, 

And  only  man  upon  the  prospect  frowned. 

The  Aztec  host  were  first  to  open  fire. 

And  with  redoubled  energy,  and  ire, 

As  if  the  sortie  of  the  yesterday, 

More  eager  made  them  for  the  coming  fray — 

Nor  waited  they  the  Spaniards'  fierce  attack. 

Ere  they  essayed  the  fort  to  storm  and  sack, 

And  in  the  fury  of  their  wild  assault 

Scaled  ramparts  high,  and,  with  a  fearless  vault. 

Reached  where  were  gathered  all  the  Spanish  band, 

Who  fought  in  desperation,  hand  to  hand. 

A  moment,  and  it  seemed  as  if  the  place 

Was  captured  by  the  heroes  of  their  race. 

So  frantic  was  the  desolating  strife. 

So  awful  was  the  sacrifice  of  life. 

But,  rapidly  the  battle's  stormy  tide 

Turned  to  the  pale  and  mailed  invaders'  side, 

And  all  ere  long,  who  scaled  the  works,  had  died. 

While  Mercy  o'er  the  scene  of  horror  sighed. 

'Twas  now  that  Corlez  sent  a  prompt  appeal — 
Impelled  by  danger,  he  was  quick  to  feel — 
To  Montezuma,  who  in  bondage  lay, 
And  urged  him  to  arrest  the  fatal  fray. 
The  monarch  answered  in  a  friendly  mood. 
"  All  that  I  crave,"  said  he,  "  is  solitude. 
Toward  me  but  hate  Malinche"*  e'er  has  shown. 
To  all  the  fort  his  deep  contempt  is  known. 
And  o'er  my  lot  in  spirit  oft  I  groan. 
I've  heard,  and  seen,  with  grief  these  battles  fought, 
And  shrink  before  the  havoc  wild  they've  wrought. 
What  with  my  country's  curse  have  I  to  do. 
Except  their  baneful  presence  here  to  rue  ? 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  183 

I  ne'er  Malinch6  wish  to  meet  again, 

Or  longer  live,  imprisoned,  in  this  den. 

My  only  earthly  longing  is  to  die, 

Nor  care  I  from  this  wreck,  abased,  to  fly. 

To  what  a  state  I  stand  reduced  to-day — 

My  freedom  and  my  crown  both  thrown  away  ! 

No  heart  have  I  to  Aztec  braves  to  speak, 

Nor    hearing     me,     less     vengeance    they    would 

wreak. 
They'll  ne'er  again  believe  a  word  of  mine — 
Who,  like  a  coward,  could  a  throne  resign — 
Nor  one  false  word,  or  promise  of  the  foe, 
Who's  trampled  me,  and  Mexico,  so  low. 
They'll  ne'er  escape  these  reeking  walls  alive. 
Do  what  they  may — no  matter  how  they  strive." 

A  troubled  look  the  face  of  Cortez  wore 
When  this  reply  Olmedo  backward  bore. 
"Go  back,"   said   he,    "and   urge   him   more  and 

more 
To  face  the  mighty  throngs  and  bid  them  pause, 
And  humbly  bow  to  him,  and  Aztec  laws. 
Nor  longer  we'll  remain  to  fight  and  die; 
And  tell  him,  hence,  it  is  our  wish  to  fly." 

By  loud  entreaty  moved,  and  waste  of  blood. 
And  hoping  thus  to  work  his  country  good, 
By  sending  off  the  fierce  invading  horde — 
Who'd  devastated  it  with  fire,  and  sword — 
And  in  the  land  his  freedom  thus  regain. 
And  once  again,  perchance — a  monarch — reign. 
He,  none  the  less,  said  he'd  address  the  mass, 
Although  at  heart  he  sighed  "  Alas !  alas  !  " 
With  awe  his  gathered  army  to  impress 
He  clothed  himself  in  rich  imperial  dress. 
The  gay  tilmatli — mantle — white,  and  blue 


i84  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Clasped  by  a  gem  of  emeraldine  hue  * — 
(While  other  gems  profusely  were  displayed 
AH  o'er  the  garb  in  which  he  stood  arrayed) — 
Hung  on  his  shoulders,  and  his  feet  were  shod 
With  golden  sandals,  while  he  held  a  rod — 
The  emblem  of  his  rank — and  on  his  head 
There  rested  the  capilla — green,"  and  red — 
The  Aztec  diadem — a  jewelled  crown. 
But  on  his  features  grief  hung  like  a  frown. 
Thus,  in  the  purple  fitted  for  a  throne, 
He  to  the  turret  walked,  but  not  alone  : 
Some  Aztec  nobles,  and  a  Spanish  guard, 
Attended  Montezuma,  so  ill-starred — ■ 
The  abject  monarch  of  a  fated  land, 
Who  feared  before  the  populace  to  stand. 

A  sudden  change  :  the  ruler  rose  to  view, 
Advancing  with  his  royal  retinue 
Along  the  battlements,  in  solemn  line. 
He,  for  a  moment,  seemed  a  thing  divine,  . 
So  great  a  charm  his  presence  worked  on  all, 
While  thousands  on  their  knees  were  seen  to  fall. 
They  saw  't  was  Montezuma  at  a  glance. 
And  watched  him  slowly,  like  a  god,  advance. 
The  clang  of  instruments,  and  warlike  cries 
Were  hushed  in  rev'rence,  and  in  strange  surprise. 
And  death-like  stillness  o'er  the  concourse  crept, 
While  Montezuma  turned  aside,  and  wept. 
The  tumult  wild  and  fierce,  that  raged  before. 
The  shoutings  of  assailants,  and  the  roar 
Of  battle,  could  be  heard,  or  seen,  no  more. 
As  if  by  magic  thus  the  scene  had  changed. 
While  Montezuma's  eye  the  prospect  ranged. 
He  felt  his  people,  still,  with  slavish  awe, 

*  The  green  chalchivitl. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  185 

Believed  that  he  personified  the  law, 

And  deemed  him  still  the  monarch  he  had  been, 

Ere  white  invaders  in  his  clime  were  seen. 

While  gazing  there  his  confidence  returned. 

"Not  yet,"  he  murmured,  "  Montezuma's  spurned." 

He  raised  his  voice  in  accents  calm,  and  clear, 

Designed  to  reach  the  heart  as  well  as  ear. 

But  in  dissimulation  more  than  truth — 

To  turn  away  the  Spaniards'  wrath  forsooth 

As  well  as  thus  his  craven  heart  to  hide, 

Which,  well  he  knew  his  warriors  would  deride. 

He  feigned  a  freedom  that  he'd  lost,  alas  ! 

And — "  Blame  me,"  cried,  "  for  all  that's  come  to 

pass." 
Thus  spake  he  to  the  breathless  thousands  there, 
Prepared  to  list — -revering — as  to  prayer : — 
"  Oh  !  why  my  children  are  ye  here  in  arms. 
Disturbing  Tenochtitlan  with  alarms  .'' 
Why  gather  ye,  these  palace  walls  around — 
The  palace  of  my  fathers,  so  surround  .'* 
Is  it  that  ye  your  sov'reign  think  confined. 
And  to  release  him  thus  have  all  combined  ? 
If  so  ye've  acted  well ;  but  ye  mistake. 
I'm  not  in  bondage ; — to  this  fact  aw^ake. 
For  I  am  free  to  leave  when  e'er  I  choose. 
My  guests — the  strangers — I  would  not  abuse. 
Have  ye  to  drive  them  from  the  city  come  ? 
How  vain  when, at  a  signal  from  the  drum. 
They  mean  from  Tenochtitlan  to  depart. 
But  ope  the  way,  and  lo !  you'll  see  them  start. 
Return  ye  to  your  homes,  deserted  long ; 
Lay  down  your  arms  nor  sound  the  battle-song ; 
Show  now  to  me — I  claim  it  as  a  right — 
Obedience  in  Tenochtitlan's  sight. 
The  Spaniards  to  their  country  will  return 


l86  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  peace  for  all  my  children  I  discern. 
All  yet,  with  us,  my  people,  will  be  well. 
Believe,  obey,  and  do  ye  as  I  tell." 

As  Montezuma  thus  himself  proclaimed 

The    friend   of   those    who'd    brought   the   land  to 

shame, 
A  murmur  through  the  mighty  concourse  ran. 
Could  words  like  these  e'er  come  from  Mexican 
When  Mexico  lay  bleeding  at  the  hands 
Of  these  invaders  from  the  distant  lands  ? 
Could  Montezuma,  from  his  high  estate, 
Descend  so  low  as,  now,  to  palliate 
Such  crimes  as  theirs  ? — how  craven,  and  how  base! 
Against  him  rose  the  passions  of  his  race. 
Which  swept  their  ancient  reverence  away. 
"  Unworthy  son  of  worthy  sire,"  they  cried, 
"  Where  is  thy  Aztec  monarch's  courage,  pride  1 
Lived  all  thy  warlike  ancestors  in  vain, 
Nor  taught  thee  how  thy  honor  to  sustain  ? 
Degenerate,  and  cowardly,  art  thou 
Thus  weakly  to  thy  country's  foes  to  bow. 
At  heart  a  woman,  born  to  spin,  and  weave, 
Yet  with  no  soul  o'er  woes  of  ours  to  grieve, 
'T  is  not  for  thee  to  counsel  us  to  yield. 
Behold  the  horrors  of  this  battle-field  !  " 

And  while  the  murmurs  floated  on  the  air. 
And  Montezuma  trembled,  in  despair, 
A  cloud  of  stones,  and  arrows,  reached  the  spot, 
And  lo  I  he  fell,  by  three  such  missiles  shot — * 
Fell  bleeding,  and  unconscious,  to  the  ground 
Before  the  Spanish  guard,  that  stood  around. 


*  One  of  which,  a  stone,  struck  him  with  such  force  on  the 
head,  near  the  temple,  as  to  leave  him  senseless. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  187 

Could  shield  him  from  the  unexpected  storm. 

His  nobles  bent  above  his  prostrate  form, 

And  bore  him — like  a  lifeless  thing — away, 

While  they  were  filled  with  horror  and  dismay. 

The  strange  revulsion  shocked  the  cavaliers, 

Whose  fears,  and  pity,  moved  them  nigh  to  tears. 

The  hopes  they  had  on  Montezuma  built 

Were  dashed  to  naught — like  hoarded  water  spilt — 

And  who  could  tell  how  soon  the  Aztec  horde 

Might  overwhelm  the  wielders  of  the  sword  ? 

But,  suddenly,  'mid  consternation,  lo  ! 

There  rose  a  dismal  rushing  sound  of  woe, 

And,  as  in  panic,  all  the  Aztecs  fled — 

Their  cries,  by  those  who  threw  the  volley,  led. 

Alarmed  at  this,  their  sacrilegious  act, 

And  by  remorse,  regret,  and  terror  racked, 

They  ran  in  all  directions,  till  the  scene 

Looked  bare,  deserted,  as  it  e'er  had  been: 

Not  one  was  left  in  all  the  spacious  square, 

Of  all  the  host  that  erst  had  gathered  there. 

VII. 

When  Montezuma's  consciousness  returned. 
He  murmured—"  I'm  degraded,  hated,  spurned." 
A  sense  of  rage,  and  wretchedness,  he  felt, 
And,  into  tears,  his  eyes  were  prone  to  melt. 
From  Degradation's  bitter  cup  he  drank, 
And  in  Humiliation's  valley  sank. 
Reviled,  rejected,  by  his  people  stoned. 
He  o'er  his  blighted  life  in  anguish  groaned. 
The  meanest  of  his  race  had  dared  to  throw 
The  missiles  which,  alas !  had  struck  him  low. 
The  world  no  longer  wore  a  charm  for  him. 
No  longer  fair  it  seemed,  but  foully  grim — 
A  region  changed  from  paradise  to  hell, 


i88  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  who  could  of  the  darksome  future  tell  ? 

He,  now,  had  naught  to  live  for : — he  would  die, 

And  from  its  terrors,  thus,  forever  fly. 

To  reconcile  him,  vainly  some  essayed, 

For  unto  none  he  sign,  or  answer,  made, 

And  resolutely  he  refused  their  aid. 

And  brooding,  sat,  with  sad,  dejected  look, 

Nor  aught  to  nourish,  or  sustain,  he  took, 

But  from  his  bleeding  wounds,  each  bandage  tore, 

Sighed  long  o'er  days  of  majesty,  no  more, 

And  all  his  crowding  miseries  reviewed. 

With  agony  of  eye,  and  attitude. 

That  he'd  survived  his  glory  well  he  knew, 

Yet  meant  he  to  his  country  to  be  true. 

He  mourned  his  timid  nature  as  his  bane. 

And  owned  a  coward  quite  unfit  to  reign. 

But  still  he  showed  a  spark  of  Aztec  pride, 

When  he  himself,  all  further  help  denied. 

Resolved  to  perish,  rather  than  endure 

That  wounded  honor,  naught  he  knew  could  cure. 

But  from  this  painful  scene,  the  trumpet  called, 

And  dangers,  new,  the  Spanish  troops  appalled. 

VHI. 

Before  the  fortress  stood  the  war-god's  fane,* 
From  which  the  Aztec  arrows  fell  like  rain ; 
And  hosts  of  Mexicans,  of  high  degree. 
Massed  on  its  walls,  the  Spaniards  now  could  see. 
The  spot  had  ne'er  been  fighting-ground  before. 
For  that  was  sacred  in  the  nation's  lore, 

*  The  teocalli  of  Huitzilopotchli — or  Mexitli,  the  Aztec  war- 
god — a  pyramidal  mound,  crowned  by  sanctuaries — rising  to 
the  height  of  150  feet,  and  completely  commanding  the  palace 
of  Axayacatl  occupied  by  the  Spaniards,  which  was  only  a  few 
rods  distant. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  189 

And  this  diversion  of  itself,  proclaimed 

How  Aztec  hearts  with  angry  passions  flamed. 

But  though  the  weapons  thus,  so  thickly,  flew, 

The  temple's  walls,  the  archers  screened  from  view. 

This  Cortez  saw,  with  something  like  dismay. 

To  longer  where  his  troops  were  quartered  stay, 

These  foes,  he  knew,  he'd  have  to  drive  away. 

A  force  to  storm  and  capture  he  despatched. 

Which  soon  relumed  defeated — overmatched — 

Repulsed  with  slaughter  by  those  lion  hearts, 

Who  stung  them  with  their  spears,  and  stones,  and 

darts. 
Then  with  three  hundred  chosen  cavaliers, 
And  thousands  of  his  native  volunteers, 
Intrepid  Cortez  rushed  upon  his  foes, 
Who  staggered  as  he  dealt  terrific  blows, 
But  step  by  step,  all  up  the  terraced  height, 
His  way  disputed  with  redoubled  might ; 
And  close  and  bloody  was  the  awful  fight. 
Four  times  the  terrace,  round  the  temple,  led, 
O'er  which  defenders,  and  invaders,  bled, 
Ere  he  the  flat  and  ample  summit  gained, 
While  some  below,  to  guard  the  gate  remained. 
'•'' Christo y  Santiago!^'  then  he  cried. 
His  buckler  to  his  wounded  arm,  was  tied, 
And  with  the  other  hundreds  he  defied. 
A  dripping  sword  his  hand — the  right  one — held. 
And  ev'ry  stroke  some  dusky  foeman  felled, 
While  all  the  priests,  around  him,  wildly  yelled ; 
And  there  he,  with  his  comrades,  battled  hours. 
And  cried — "We'll  fight  until  the  day  is  ours  !" 
But  fast  their  numbers  dwindled  in  the  fray, 
Though  faster  far,  'twas  theirs  the  foe  to  slay. 
In  mortal  combat,  on  the  temple's  crown. 
The  races  strove,  and  hurled  each  other  down 
From  this  aerial,  reeking  battle-field 


I90  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

To  earth  below.     Foe  grasping  foeman  reeled 

Together  o'er  the  precipice,  whose  edge 

Was  bare  of  rampart,  parapet,  or  ledge, 

While  all  within  the  fortress  raised  their  eyes 

To  view  this  tragic  duel  in  the  skies ; 

All  o'er  the  city,  too,  't  was  plainly  seen — 

A  thrilling,  ghastly,  horrifying  scene. 

For  three  long  hours  tlie  bloody  fight  went  on 

With  undiminished  fury,  till  not  one — 

Of  all  the  Aztecs  there — alive  remained, 

Except    the     priests    whom     Cortez    spared,    and 

chained.  ^ 
Their  lifeless  forms  the  broad  arena  stained, 
And  crimson  currents  washed  the  outer  walls. 
And  leapt  the  heights,  like  mimic  waterfalls  t 

"  Down  with  the  Aztec  altar  !  "  Cortez  cried, 
And  to  the  shrine  the  daring  Spaniards  hied — 
Where  they  an  idol — great  Mexitli — found, 
W^ith  reeking  hearts  before  it,  on  the  ground. 
With  shouts  triumphant,  this  they  trampled  low, 
And,  in  completion  of  its  overthrow. 
The  monster  hurled  from  off  the  terraced  height. 
And  filled  the  startled  Aztecs  with  affright. 
Then  to  the  building,  they,  the  torch  applied. 
And,  o'er  the  flames,  all  Tenochtitlan  sighed. 
Bright,  fiery  tongues  up  slender  turrets  crept, 
And,  demon-like,  from  wall  and  rafter  leapt. 
While  all  the  city  shone  with  lurid  light. 
And  all  from  lake,  and  valley,  viewed  the  sight, — 

*Two  or  three  priests  were  led  away  in  triumph  by  the 
victors. 

t  The  number  of  Aztecs  slaughtered  in  the  temple  was 
about  six  hundred.  The  Spanish  loss  included  forty-five  of 
the  best  men,  and  nearly  all  of  the  remainder  engaged  in  the 
conflict  were  more  or  less  wounded. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  191 

Far  as  the  girding  mountains — tall,  and  grand. 
Deep  horror  thrilled  the  sore  afflicted  land  1 

The  Spaniards  down  the  temple's  winding  slopes 
Returned,  wiih  buoyant  step,  and  ardent  hopes, 
And  through  the  spaces  passed  into  the  square  ; 
Nor  met  they  from  the  foe  resistance  there. 
But  safely  reached  the  welcome  palace  gate. 
With  great  success — though  dearly  bought — elate. 
That  night  advantage  further  still  they  pushed. 
For  when  in  sable  shrouds  the  earth  was  hushed 
They  sallied  forth,  and  struck  the  sleeping  foe 
A  cruel  and  a  desolating  blow. 
A  sortie  then  was  made,  and  fire,  and  sword. 
Went  hand  in  hand  till  conflagrations  roared, 
Where'er  advanced  the  mailed  invading  horde. 
And  full  three  hundred  homes  were  wreathed  with 

flame, 
Nor  felt  the  Spanish  heart  a  twinge  of  shame. 
The  Mexicans  had  battled  ne'er  by  night. 
And  horror  overcame  them  at  the  sight. 
While  none  escaped  but  those  who  took  to  flight. 

IX. 

"  Methinks,"  said  Cortez,  when  the  morrow  came. 

And  to  Marina  turning,  "  I  will  tame 

These  Aztec  spirits  ere  my  work  is  done. 

Already,!  believe,  a  peace  I've  won. 

If  I  but  pause  to  parley  with  the  foe ; 

So  I  will  call  the  chiefs  of  Mexico 

Before  these  battered  palace  walls,  to-day, 

And  offer,  down,  both  sword,  and  torch,  to  lay. 

If  they  will  yield  submissively  to  me  ! 

And — mark  me  ! — to  these  terms  they'll  all  agree." 

Marina  looked  with  doubting  eyes,  and  sighed — 


192  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

''The  foe  is  here  unbending  in  his  pride, 

And  though  disaster  overwhelms  the  land, 

He  by  its  fortunes  still  will  bravely  stand. 

This  valley's  warlike  sons  more  courage  show 

Than  we  have  met  before  in  Mexico. 

Their  prowess  through  the  region  round  is  known, 

And  they,  in  strength,  and  valor,  stand  alone." 

The  chieftains  gathered  in  the  open  square. 

And  legions,  with  them,  too,  assembled  there, 

In  answer  to  the  call  by  Cortez  made. 

Who  to  address  them  from  the  fort  essayed. 

He  stood  where  Montezuma  stood  before. 

And,  there,  a  look  of  proud  defiance  wore. 

Marina,  young  and  beautiful,  was  near, 

With  sparkling  eyes,  and  all-attentive  ear. 

Prepared  in  Aztec  words  the  throng  to  tell 

What  from  the  lips  of  Cortez — speaking — fell. 

The  concourse  eyed  her  with  an  earnest  look, 

But  not  a  word  they  uttered  in  rebuke, 

Though  to  the  Spanish  cause  they  deemed  her  true, 

And  well  her  sway  o'er  all  the  Spaniards  knew. 

Thus  spoke  she,  as  an  echo,  to  the  crowd 

In  accents  clear,  and  musical,  and  loud : — 

"  All,  now,  must  be  convinced  that  't  is  in  vain 

For  you  to  longer  cope  with  mighty  Spain. 

Your  helpless  gods  in  dust  are  trampled  low; 

Your  land' is  filled  with  desolation,  woe  ; 

Your  homes  are  burned  ;  your  altars  broken  lie  ; 

Your  bravest  sons  have  fought  us,  but  to  die. 

Yet  some  would,  still,  our  righteous  rule  defy ! 

Upon  yourselves  this  chastisement  you've  brought ; — 

The  evils  that  afflict  you,  ye  have  sought 

By  taking  arms  against  our  sov'reign  king. 

Yet  if  you'll  now,  aside,  your  weapons  fling, 

And  to  submission  once  again  return, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  193 

Nor  seek  Castile  and  Arragon  to  spurn, 
We,  whom  you've  thus  so  wantonly  assailed — 
And  whose  misfortunes  Aztecs  ne'er  bewailed — 
Will  stay  the  hand  uplifted  to  destroy, 
And  Spain  will  give  you  welcome  back  with  joy ; 
But  if  ye,  now,  this  proffered  peace  reject 
Ye'U — like  your  temple — see  the  city  wrecked. 
Yes,  Tenochtitlan  shall  in  ruins  lie, 
And  ev'ry  soul  that  peoples  it  shall  die  f 
Not  one  we'll  leave  to  mourn  its  awful  fate  : 
Be  warned — beware  ! — before  't  is  all  too  late  !  " 
But  threats  like  these  were  lost  upon  the  throng, 
In  whom  a  tempest  slumbered,  born  of  Wrong. 
"'T  is  true,"  they  cried,  "our   temples  ye've  de- 
stroyed, 
And  thousands  of  our  bravest  men  have  died. 
And  thousands  more  may  like  them  perish  yet. 
But  ne'er  can  we,  for  freedom,  this  regret, 
If  we  for  ev'ry  thousand  comrades  slain. 
Can  slay  but  one  of  those  who  come  from  Spain. 
Behold,  still  thronged,  our  terraces  and  streets. 
As  thronged  as  ere  we  suffered  our  defeats  ! 
Far  as  the  eye  can  reach  our  ranks  extend 
Prepared,  through  life,  our  country  to  defend. 
Our  losses  on  our  numbers  hardly  tell, 
For  new  recruits  the  masses  daily  swell, 
But  yours,  remember,  cannot  be  replaced  ; 
You  cannot  bear,  like  us,  the  battle's  waste. 
From  hunger,  and  from  sickness,  you  must  die ; 
Already  you  for  food,  and  water,  sigh. 
'T  is  vain  to  think  that  hence  ye  e'er  can  fly. 
We  daily  wait  to  glory  o'er  your  fall. 
The  gods  for  vengeance,  and  your  corses  call ! 
Think  not  that  ye  can  e'er  escape  your  fate  ; 
For  flight,  across  the  lake,  't  is  far  too  late  ! 
The  bridges  all  are  broken  down,  and  Death 


194  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Waits  eagerly  to  catch  your  final  breath  !  " 
And  as  they  ended  in  defiance,  lo ! 
Each  chieftain  shot  an  arrow  from  his  bow, 
And,  from  the  turret,  those  assembled  fled, 
By  disappointment  stung,  and  full  of  dread. 
The  fierce,  and  heedless,  courage  of  the  foe, 
Their  dauntless  fire,  and  patriotic  glow. 
At  once  amazed  them,  and  awoke  dismay. 
All  they  had  suffered,  night,  and  day,  and  done- 
The  perils  braved,  the  bloody  battles  won — 
Had  gone  for  naught,  and  been  of  no  avail ! 
The  bravest  of  the  troops  began  to  quail ! 


PART  SIXTH. 


As,  sometimes,  when  a  ship  is  wrecked,  the  crew 

Are  to  their  pledges,  and  the  law,  untrue, 

And,  in  their  mutiny,  no  more  obey 

Those  who,  above  them,  held  a  sov'reign  sway, 

So,  now,  the  Spanish  soldiers  stood  aghast, 

And  like  the  mutineers  before  the  mast — 

To  all  subordination  lost — defied 

Their  leader,  and  for  liberation  cried. 

No  longer  they  would  in  the  fortress  fight. 

Where  death  was  certain.     They  demanded  flight ; 

And  lamentations  loud,  and  curses,  deep. 

They  uttered  ;  while,  in  sorrow,  some  would  weep, 

Despairing  of  again  beholding  home. 

And  wishing  they  had  ventured  ne'er  to  roam. 

But  still — among  the  staunchest  troops — a  few 

Urged  amity  : — subordination,  too. 

And  saw  how  much  they'd  grave  dissensions  rue. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  195 

And  rallied  all  to  hold  to  Cortez  true. — 
Reflection  brought  them  to  this  sober  view. 

Cool,  calm,  courageous,  Cortez  eyed  the  scene. 

Nor  showed  his  apprehension  in  his  mien. 

"  'T  is  sad,"  he  mused,  "  to  contemplate  retreat, 

And  find  success  thus  turned  to  dire  defeat — 

To  leave  behind  the  treasures  dearly  won, 

And  find  myself  pursued,  abased,  undone. 

What  greater  triumph  could  my  foes  desire  ? 

Could  I  to  conquest  after  that  aspire  1 

And  what  a  sorry  end  to  all  my  vaunts; 

My  comrades  well  may  sting  me  with  their  taunts. 

But  if  humiliation  here  I'd  shun. 

And  make  each  man  stand  firmly  by  his  gun, 

And  threaten  death  to  all  who  urge  retreat, 

What  brighter  prospect  do  I,  gazing,  meet  ? 

Already  Famine's  gnawing  at  his  prey. 

And  sickness  finds  new  victims  ev'ry  day; 

The  breaches  in  the  fort  grow  wider,  fast, 

And  little  longer  will  our  powder  last. 

To  linger  here  't  would,  therefore,  fatal  be. 

For  life,  I  fear,  that  we  shall  have  to  flee." 

The  question,  now,  was  how  to  cross  the  lake. 
And  by  what  causeway  he  his  troops  should  take  ? 
He  reconnoitred,  made  a  feint  or  two, 
And  then  decided  what  't  was  best  to  do. 
Three  Mafitalets  with  musketeers,  he  manned,  * 
Whose  galling  fire  the  foe      uld  ill  withstand. 
And  sent  them  out  to  belch  their  leaden  hail, 

*  These  were  called  Mantas,  and  built,  after  the  fashion  of 
the  Mantalets  of  the  Middle  Ages,  to  protect  the  arquebusiers 
within.  They  had  been  in  process  of  construction  for  some 
days  before  Cortez  decided  to  retreat.  They  were  dragged  on 
rollers  by  the  Tlascalans. 


196  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Each  sheltered  musketeer  encased  in  mail. 
But  these  the  broken  bridges  failed  to  pass, 
And,  soon,  their  roofs  fell — shattered — in,  like  glass, 
Beneath  the  stones  from  ev'ry  house-top  hurled, 
While  smoke  no  more  from  each  embrasure  curled, 
And  those  who  drew  them  swiftly  left  the  world. 
Before  the  sting  of  death  their  spirits  fled 
To  join  the  mighty  army  of  the  dead. 

II. 

The  shortest  of  the  causeways  Cortez  chose  * 
As  that  by  which  he'd  flee  his  angry  foes. 
A  wood  to  this  extended  straight,  and  wide. 
And  oft  canals  t  athwart  it  rolled  their  tide — 
Though  ev'ry  bridge  o'er  these  was  now  destroyed — 
And  then — two  miles  in  length — it  spanned  the  lake. 
"  O'er  this,"  said  he,  "  by  night  I'll  take  my  way. 
'T  would  folly  be  to  choose,  instead,  the  day." 
No  pause  he  made  a  single  bridge  to  build, 
But  all  the  yawning  gaps,  with  ruins  filled. 
While  stones,  and  arrows,  thickly  round  him  flew, 
And  Spaniards,  and  their  foiling  allies,  slew. 
At  ev'ry  bridge  the  Aztecs  bravely  fought, 
And  havoc  in  the  ranks  opposing  wrought — 
Till  faint  through  loss  of  blood,  and  craving  food. 
The  worn  Castilians  mourned  the  day  they  came 
To  seek,  in  Anahuacgold,  and  fame. 
At  length,  by  unremitting  toil,  the  work  was  done — 
Two  days  of  labor  had  the  triumph  won — 
And  troops  were  placed  to  guard  the  open  way. 
But  soon  the  Aztecs  swarmed  in  dense  array. 


*  Namely,  that  known  as  Tlacopan,  or  Tacuba. 
t  Seven  canals  intersected  the  great  streets  of  TIacopan,  and 
communicated  with  the  lake. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  197 

And  laid  their  work  on  all  the  bridges  waste 
Where  Spanish  skill  had  nigh  the  gaps  effaced. 
Then  to  the  rescue  fast  the  Spaniards  rushed, 
And  cavalry  the  heathen  masses  crushed, 
While  Cortez  gave  his  ringing  battle-cry — 
"  Chris  to  y  Santiago  I  at  them  fly  !  " 
And  hotly  raged  the  battle  till  the  night 
When  with  the  light  the  natives  took  their  flight. 

Ill, 

There  in  the  dusky  solemn  even-tide — 

With  Cortez  bruised,  and  bleeding  as  their  guide — 

The  troops,  returning  to  the  fort,  deployed — 

Each  both  in  spirit  and  the  flesh  annoyed — 

Not  as  exulting  victors  in  the  fray. 

With  streaming  pennons,  and  with  trappings,  gay. 

But  with  dejected  look,  and  motion  slow. 

With  hunger  fainting,  and  oppressed  by  woe, 

With  battered  armor,  and  their  weapons  hacked. 

While  weariness  and  wounds  their  bodies  racked ; 

And  there  they  heard  the  tidings,  sad  to  them, 

That  vacant  was  the  monarch's  diadem — 

That  Montezuma's  sorrows  now  were  o'er. 

And  on  the  earth  his  shadow  fell  no  more. 

A  broken-hearted  captive  he  had  died. 

His  faithful  nobles  weeping  at  his  side  ; 

And  o'er  his  fate  his  mourning  captors  sighed.* 

But  ere  his  spirit  left  this  mundane  sphere, 

A  Christian  priest  spoke  softly  in  his  ear,t 

And  offered  him,  to  bliss,  a  title  clear. 

If  he  would  but  renounce  his  gods  on  earth, 


*  Father  Olmedo. 

t  Montezuma  died  on  June  30,  1520,  about  forty-one  year: 
old,  of  which  he  reigned  eighteen  years. 


198  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  seek,  in  Christ,  a  new — a  second — birth ; 

And  kneeling,  held  a  crucifix  on  high 

To  guide  him  to  the  realms  beyond  the  sky, 

And  prayed  him  to  embrace  the  sacred  sign 

Of  man's  redemption,  holy,  and  divine. 

But  no !  the  proffered  boon  he  coldly  spurned, 

And  to  his  ancient  faith  for  succor  turned. 

Apostasy  he  held  in  high  contempt, 

And  asked  why  priests  conversion  should  attempt. 

The  gods  his  fathers  loved  he'd  ne'er  reject ; 

For  these  he'd  naught  but  rev'rence  and  respect. 

He  murmured  low,  "  My  children,  I  have  left — 

Now  that  of  all  but  life  they  seem  bereft — 

Sunk  in  their  deep  unutterable  woe — 

To  his  protection — his  Malinche's — oh  ! 

May  they  receive  a  father's  care  from  Spain. 

Let  this  be  my  reward  for  all  my  pain — 

For  all  the  friendship  I,  her  sons,  have  shown, 

A  fatal  friendship — who  can  this  disown  ? — 

And  one  to  which  my  woes  are  due,  alone. 

The  loving  children  of  the  wives  I  love, 

Should  be,  through  life,  all  common  wants,  above. 

These  are  the  precious  jewels  I  adore, 

Though  lost  to  me  are  they  for  evermore  ! 

I  care  not  for  myself  : — my  race  is  run. 

But  these  I  would  not  have,  like  me,  undone."  * 

Thus  perished  one,  who  in  his  youth  had  been 

A  warlike  actor  on  the  busy  scene. 

Whose  martial  prowess  early  gained  him  fame, 

*  Montezuma  left  a  numerous  progeny  by  his  several  wives, 
most  of  whom  were  lost  in  obscurity  after  the  conquest. 
Two  of  them,  however,  a  son  (baptized  Pedro)  and  daughter 
(baptized  Isabella)  emlDraced  Christianity,  and  had  titles  and 
estates  bestowed  upon  them  by  Spain,  and  became  the  found- 
ers of  houses  whose  scions — the  Counts  of  Montezuma  and 
Tula — intermarried  with  the  best  blood  of  Castile. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  199 

And  who,  as  monarch,  won  a  lustrous  name; 
But  who,  as  time  advanced,  less  warlike  grew, 
And  raised  his  empire  into  splendors  new ; 
Who  to  Invasion  fell  an  easy  prey. 
And  saw  his  glory — dream-like — pass  away  ; 
Whose  superstition  filled  his  mind  with  fears. 
His  country  blasted,  and  cut  short  his  years. 
Behold  the  transient  grandeur  of  the  world 
In  Montezuma  from  his  station  hurled, — 
A  captive,  and  an  outcast,  when  he  died. 
And  trampled  in  the  dust  his  ancient  pride  ! 

His  body,  in  his  royal  robes  arrayed. 

Was  on  a  bier  within  the  fortress  laid. 

Whence  't  was  upon  his  nobles'  shoulders  borne — 

The  faithful  few,  who  lived  his  loss  to  mourn — 

Beyond  the  prison  walls,  to  seek  the  tomb. 

Where  slept  his  ancestors  amid  the  gloom 

Of  cypress  wreathed  Chapultepec,  and,  lo  ! 

A  distant  sound  of  wailing,  wild,  and  low, 

Soon  floated  on  the  air,  then  died  away, 

Drowned  in  the  murmurs  of  the  pending  fray. 

But    where    they    placed    the    lifeless    monarch's 

form  * 
No  Spaniard  knew;  and  in  the  awful  storm 
Which   swept    the    ancient    landmarks    from    the 

sight. 
And  turned  the  Aztec  day  to  hopeless  night, 
All  traces  of  his  sepulchre  were  lost, 
As  in  the  spring  dissolves  the  winter's  frost. 


*  Whether  Montezuma  was  buried  at  Chapultepec,  or,  after 
his  body  had  been  burned  to  ashes,  in  the  burial-place  of  the 
city  named  Copalco,  or  elsewhere,  is  uncertain.  What  be- 
came of  his  body  after  it  left  the  Spanish  quarters  never  in- 
deed transpired  to  the  Spaniards. 


200  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

IV. 

Without  a  pause — the  Spanish  chief — appalled 

By  scenes  he  saw  around — a  council  called, 

When,  quickly,  all  agreed  that  night  to  fly. 

And,  by  the  causeway,  o'er  the  lake,  to  hie, 

Then  onward  march,  across  the  mountain  chain 

Till  once  again  they  trod  Cholula's  plain. 

But  some  there  were  who  grave  misgivings  felt. 

And  down,  before  their  crucifixes  knelt. 

For  well  they  knew  the  dangers  of  the  way ; 

Yet  worse  would  wait  them,  were  they  here  to  stay, 

And  none  their  flight,  were  willing  to  delay. 

To  guard  the  treasure  Cortez  first  prepared. 

In  this  he,  with  the  Crown,  and  army,  shared — 

But,  in  such  rich  abundance  it  was  stored. 

He  ne'er  could  carry  all  his  precious  hoard, 

And  left  it  strewn  about  the  fortress  floor — 

Bright,  shining  heaps,  and  bars,  of  golden  ore. 

"  Take  what  you  will,"  said  he  to  all  his  troops, 

As  round  the  spoil  they  stood,  in  longing  groups, 

"  But  let  the  soldier,  who  for  lucre  stoops, 

Remember  that  the  lighter  be  his  load 

The  safer  he  will  travel  on  the  road." 

Of  this  the  wary,  and  the  wise  took  heed. 

But  many  lost  their  prudence  in  their  greed, 

And  pining  for  the  riches  they  beheld — 

While  visions  of  delight  before  them  swelled — 

Oppressed  themselves  with  burdens  hard  to  bear. 

And  found  their  wealth  brought  only  toil,  and  care. 

The  order  of  the  march  was,  next  declared, 

And  Cortez  cried  :  "  My  comrades,  stand  prepared  !  " 

The  trusty  van  by  Sandoval  was  led — 

Two  hundred  Spanish  troops,  to  danger  bred  ; 

The  centre,  Cortez  chose,  himself,  to  guide — 

And  with  Marina,  mounted,  at  his  side  ; — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  201 

The  third  command,  he  Alvarado  gave, 
Because,  though  rash,  he  knew  him  to  be  brave. 
The  army's  strength,  in  infantry,  was  here, 
And  native  allies  followed,  in  the  rear. 
Some  captive  nobles  were  arranged  in  line — 
And  Cortez  deemed  their  punishment  condign — 
While  of  the  fallen  monarch's  children,  three  * 
Were  clustered  where  Marina  loved  to  be. 

V. 

'T  was  midnight,  and  the  solemn  Mass  was  o'er. 

As  under  arms  the  troops,  so  rich  in  ore. 

Passed  through  the  fortress  gates  without  regret — 

Plunged  into  night,  dark,  cloud}^  wild  and  wet. 

In  silence,  and  deserted,  lay  the  square, 

And  only  piles  of  slain  were  gathered  where 

The  recent  conflict  had  been  thickest  fought — 

The  wildest  carnage  of  the  day  was  wrought. 

Along  the  street  that  to  the  causeway  led — 

Across  canals  that  lay  like  polished  lead — 

The  army  marched,  and  not  a  foe  appeared 

Till  they  the  lake  they  sought,  yet  dreaded,  neared, 

Although  the  tramp  of  horses,  echoes  woke, 

And  rumbling  trains,  and  wagons,  sUence  broke. 

But  as  the  causeway  came  in  sight,  a  cry 

Rose,  from  the  native  sentinels,  on  high. 

Which,  soon,  repeated,  all  the  city  round. 

Swelled  into  a  portentous,  roaring  sound. 

The  watchful  priests  on  ev'ry  temple's  height — 

Where  dimly  burned  the    changeless,  sacred  light — 

The  tidings  caught,  and  clanged  resounding  shells, 

And  uttered  shrill,  demoniacal  yells, 

While  from  the  war-god's  ravaged  fane  there  pealed, 

*  Two  daughters  and  a  son. 


202  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Like  floods  of  light  where  darkness  had  concealed, 
The  clangor  of  the  gong-like  drum  that  thrilled 
The  Aztec  heart,  and  all  the  cit}^  filled. 
The  people  sprang  from  slumber  to  the  fray, 
As  if  awakened  by  the  God  of  day. 

VI. 

Three  bridges  in  the  dike  *  had  spanned  the  lake, 

'Neath  which  canoes  were  wont  their  way  to  take. 

But  now  three  yawning  chasms  met  the  eye, 

And  seemed  the  Spaniards'  progress  to  defy. 

But  Cortez  in  the  van  a  bridge  had  brought — 

A  substitute  with  grave  disaster  fraught — 

A  platform  to  be  moved  from  gap  to  gap. 

Yet,  as  the  sequel  proved,  a  fatal  trap. 

Across  the  first  canal  it,  quickly,  fell. 

And  o'er  it  rushed  the  infantry,  pell-mell — 

Amid  a  storm  of  arrows,  darts,  and  stones. 

And,  from  the  sorely  wounded,  dying  moans — 

Then,  cavalry,  artillery,  and  gold. 

But  while  the  army  onward  moved,  behold ! 

The  mighty,  rushing,  swelling  sound  drew  near, 

And  filled  the  flying  troops  with  rising  fear, 

While,  on  the  lake,  the  plash  of  paddles  told 

Of  armed  canoes,  and  made  the  blood  run  cold. 

Louder,  and  louder,  to  a  tempest  grew 

The  clamor  of  the  hosts  night  hid  from  view. 

Faster,  and  faster,  Aztec  missiles  flew. 

But  not  a  sword,  as  yet,  the  army  drew. 

Save  where  an  arm  was  raised  to  ward  a  blow. 

All  sought  to  flee,  and  not  to  fight  the  foe. 

The  countless  legions  swarmed  o'er  land,  and  lake. 

And  with  their  cries  the  earth  appeared  to  shake. 

*  The  causeway. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  203 

On  through  the  driving  storm  the  Christians  pressed, 

While  on  each  side,  upon  the  water's  breast. 

The  war-canoes  against  the  causeway  ran. 

Whence  leaped  their  crews  upon  the  army's  van, 

And  fought  till  hurled  into  the  lake  again. 

Alive,  or  dead — one  Spaniard  to  their  ten. 

The  van  had  reached  the  second  breach  before 

The  crowding  rear  had  passed  the  first  one  o'er, 

And  there  it  halted  'mid  the  pelting  sleet — 

The  hail  of  missiles  from  the  Aztec  fleet. 

Before  it  yawned  the  open,  deadly  breach. 

And  over  this  the  bridge  alone  could  reach. 

*'  Send  on  the  bridge — the  bridge — or  else  we  die  ! " 

Was  Sandoval's  impatient  speeding  cry. 

But  vainly  he  for  needed  succor  cried  ; 

The  bridge  the  strength  of  all  the  troops  defied. 

Within  the  chasm  tightly  wedged  it  la}^. 

Nor  aught  availed  to  move  it  either  way. 

Stones,  darts*  and  arrows  in  a  torrent  fell 

Upon  the  workmen  as  they  labored  well 

Till  all  were  wounded  who  had  not  been  slain, 

And  all  exclaimed — "  Our  labor  is  in  vain  !  " 

The  bridge  was  then  abandgned,  in  despair, 

While  yells,  and  groans,  terrific,  rent  the  air. 

The  dreadful  tidings  spread  from  man  to  man, 
And  quickly  through  the  helpless  army  ran. 
When  high  arose  a  cry  of  wild  dismay. 
Which  drowned  the  howling  thunder  of  the  fray. 
Cut  off  from  all  retreat  they  feared  the  worst, 
And  Cortez,  and  their  lot,  in  fury,  cursed. 
Each  man  to  save  himself,  in  haste,  prepared. 
Nor  for  his  gold,  or  dearest  comrade,  cared, 

*The  darts  were  generally  attached  to  strings  held  by  the 
throwers,  who  pulled  them  back  every  time  they  threw  them, 
thus  tearing  the  flesh  of  the  wounded. 


204  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

But  sought  to  save  himself  whate'er  the  cost. 

Subordination  was,  in  panic,  lost. 

Self-preservation  was  the  law  of  all, 

And  no  man  heeded  his  commander's  call. 

The  weak  were  trampled  under  by  the  strong ; 

The  wounded  found  no  mercy  in  the  throng. 

Alike  were  trodden  down  both  friend,  and  foe, 

And  men  rushed,  shouting  madly,  to  and  fro. 

The  leading  files  pushed  onward  by  the  rear — 

And  even  goaded  by  the  sword,  and  spear — 

Were  forced  into  the  open  breach  to  leap. 

Some  swam  the  gap,  and  gained  the  other  steep. 

But  hundreds  perished  in  the  waters,  deep. 

The  horsemen,  on  their  steeds,  plunged  with  the  rest. 

And  strove  the  waters  of  the  lake  to  breast. 

And,  like  them,  either  sank,  to  rise  no  more, 

Or  struck  the  other  steep  ascending  shore, 

Then,  overturned,  rolled  down  into  the  flood, 

Where  floating  thousands  clamored  for  their  blood  ; 

Or  scaled  the  bank  in  safety,  but  to  face 

Again  the  fury  of  the  Aztec  race. 

Along  the  dread  calzada  *  carnage,  dire. 

Raged  wildly  'mid  a  fierce  unbroken  fire 

Of  weapons  from  the  concourse  of  canoes ; 

And  fiend-like  battled  their  exulting  crews. 

The  combat  thickened  as  the  moments  flew. 

While  hotter  the  appalling  conflict  grew. 

And  o'er  it  rose  the  wild,  discordant  sounds 

Of  tumult,  and  of  fury  minus  bounds. 

Shrill  shouts  of  vengeance,  loud  and  dying  groans. 

The  screams  of  women,!  and  despairing  moans, 

*  The  Spanish  equivalent  of  causeway. 

t  Several  women,  both  Spanish  and  native,  had  accompanied 
the  Spanish  camp,  the  native  wives  of  the  cavaliers,  before 
mentioned,  among  the  number. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  205 

With  invocations  of  the  goodly  saints — 
And,  to  the  blessed  Virgin,  frantic  plaints — 
Were  mingled  in  the  darkness,  nor  a  ray 
From  moon,  or  star,  shed  lustre  on  the  fray. 
Foe  grasping  foeman,  rolled  together  down 
The  causeway's  side  into  the  lake,  to  drown, 
Or  to  be  rescued  by  the  natives  there — 
A  fate  for  Christians  harder  far  to  bear, 
For  they  were  borne  away,  and  sacrificed, 
While  o'er  their  slaughter  all  around  rejoiced. 

Marina  fought  not,  save  to  parry  blows. 

But  others  of  her  sex,  like  soldiers,  rose 

In  self-defence,  and  combated  their  foes. 

Maria  De  Estrada,  one  of  these — 

Who,  from  her  native  clime,  had  crossed  the  seas — 

There  battled  with  the  broadsword,  and  the  shield, 

As  bravely  as  the  bravest  in  the  field, 

Though  to  such  arms  unused,  for  danger  stirred 

All  those,  to  fury,  who  the  conflict  heard. 

At  length  the  wreck  of  matter  formed  a  ridge 
Above  the  water-line — a  ghastly  bridge 
Of  men,  and  horses,  wagons,  gold,  and  guns, 
And  Montezuma's  presents — tons  on  tons — 
O'er  which  there  clambered  an  excited  mass, 
All  eager  to  the  other  side  to  pass. 
Here  Cortez  crossed  upon  his  faithful  steed. 
And,  vainly,  tried  his  bleeding  troops  to  lead. 
And  order  bring  from  their  confusion,  wild. 
He  found  himself  as  helpless  as  a  child  : — 
His  voice  was  lost  in  all  that  roaring  strife. 
And,  like  the  rest,  he  battled  for  his  life. 
And  hurried  onward  with  the  human  tide. 
As  if  the  storm,  and  whirlwind  he  would  ride. 
He  of  his  army's  vanguard  went  in  quest 


2o6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  forward  with  a  chosen  number  pressed 

Until  the  third — last — gap  he  gained,  and  saw 

His    comrades    round    him,    like    dark    shadows, 

draw. 
There  Sandoval  appeared,  undaunted  still, 
With  lion  heart,  and  steadfast  iron  will. 
And  on  the  chasm's  verge — both  deep  and  wide — 
He  all  the  rage  of  Mexico  defied. 
Into  the  yawning  lake  they  plunged  once  more — 
Those  gallant  horsemen — 'mid  the  battle's  roar, 
And  swam  the  gulf  as  they  had  done  before  : 
And,  so  emboldened,  others  took  the  leap. 
Which  plunged  them  in  Tezcuco's  waters,  deep,* 
And  tried  to  scale  the  causeway's  stony  steep. 
Some  crossed  in  safety,  but  the  many  sank 
Ere  they  had  reached — to  them — the  distant  bank ; 
Some  to  the  horses,  and  their  riders  clung. 
And  there  were  slain,  or  rudely  from  them  flung, 
Or  perished  with  them  in  a  common  grave. 
Few,     who     were    willing,     had    the    strength    to 

save. 
Yet  Cortez,  Sandoval,  and  more  as  brave. 
When  tidings  came  the  rear  would  soon  be  crushed. 
Back  to  the  help  of  those  surviving  rushed — 
Across  the  breach,  and  onward — fighting — sped — 
Through  blood,  and  water,  and  o'er  piles  of  dead — 
And  rescued  Alvarado  from  his  foes 
Ere  he — unhorsed — was  overwhelmed  with  blows  ; 
Then  with  him  fled,  like  arrows,  to  the  van. 
And  o'er  the  breach  again  the  blockade  ran  ;  f 
But  some  of  those  who  ventured,  ne'er  returned 
To  hear  the  praise  their  chivalry  had  earned. 


*  Lake  Tezcuco  encompassed   the   ancient   city  of  Mexico, 
and  fed  the  numerous  canals  which  traversed  it. 
t  The  blockade  of  canoes,  seeking  to  intercept  those  crossing. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  207 

When  Alvarado  reached  the  brink — pursued 
By  an  excited,  savage,  multitude — 
He  through  the  breaking  dawn  beheld,  below 
Canoes — death-dealing — moving  to  and  fro, 
And  feared — dismounted  as  he  was — to  swim 
O'er  an  abyss  so  threat'ning,  and  so  grim. 
His  only  arm  was  now  a  lance.  'T  was  long, 
And  oft  had  proved  a  weapon  keen  and  strong, 
And  this  he  firmly  planted  in  the  breach, 
And,  as  the  furies  came  within  his  reach. 
He  forward  sprang  with  all  his  might  and  main. 
To  clear  the  gap,  nor  made  the  leap  in  vain. 
Atone  astounding  bound,  from  shore  to  shore, 
The  yawning  chasm  there  he  vaulted  o'er. 
And  wonder-struck  alike  both  foe  and  friend. 
Who  scarce  could  deed  so  daring  comprehend ; 
And  to  this  day  the  miracle  is  told 
Of  Alvarado's  leap,  so  vast,  and  bold. 
"  He  truly  is  the  offspring  of  the  sun. 
This  triumph  over  distance  to  have  won  ; 
None  could,  save  Tonatiuh^  thus  have  done," 
Exclaimed  the  Aztecs,  cheated  of  their  prey  : 
"  'T  was   wondrous     he    should    thus    have    fiown 
away."  * 

VII. 

The  cold  gray  light  of  early  morn  revealed 
The  tragedy  that  night  before  concealed. 
The  lake  was  flecked  with  countless  war  canoes 
O'er   which   there   gleamed    the    weapons   of   their 
crews — 


*  The  width  of  the  breach  at  the  time  is  unknown,  but  the 
wonderful  exploit  is  still  commemorated  by  the  name  given  to 
the  spot — Salto  de  Alvarado — Alvarado's  Leap. 


2o8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

With  copper,  and  volcanic  itztli^  barbed — 
These,  saving  cotton  tunics,  all  ungarbed. 
While  far  along  the  dike  dark  masses  fought 
And  ev'ry  moment  further  havoc  wrought. 
Each  struggling  for  the  mastery,  and  life. 
O'er  that  confused,  and  writhing  scene  of  strife. 
Until  the  very  causeway  seemed  to  shake, 
And  earth  itself — beneath  the  shock — to  quake. 

The  thunder  of  the  cannon,  now,  was  hushed, 
For  all  the  gunners  at  their  guns  were  crushed. 
Pushed  on  by  those  behind,  the  ranks  in  front 
Swept  Hke  a  torrent,  with  resistless  brunt, 
O'er  all  the  monsters  belching  leaden  hail ; 
And  what  could  even  courage  here  avail  ? 
Abandoned  were  artillery,  and  spoil — 
The  fruit  of  battles,  enterprise,  and  toil, 
The  treasure  Montezuma  had  bestowed; — 
And  like  them  left,  and  scattered,  on  the  road, 
Were  arms,  and  ammunition,  banners,  crests. 
The  army's  records,  and  the  baggage  chests. 
For  life  was  dearer  than  the  world  beside 
To  all  borne  onward  by  that  swelling  tide. 
And  he  who  travelled  lightest,  swiftest  fled. 
Whoso  to  Mammon  clung,  the  carnage  fed. 
And — treasure  laden — fell  among  the  dead. 
From  breach  to  breach  the  mangled  army  passed. 
The  while  by  the  pursuing  foe  harassed. 
But,  as  the  long  cahada's  end  was  neared. 
Pursuit  grew  fainter  where  they  most  had  feared. 
And  from  the  causew'ay  to  the  land  the  troops 
Marched  in  disorder,  singly,  or  in  groups. 
With  few  molesting  from  the  lake,  or  rear. 
'  T  was  well  for  them  the  fury  of  the  fight 
Subsided  with  the  progress  of  the  flight, 
And  well  the  Aztecs  paused  to  gather  spoil — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  209 

Exhausted,  too,  by  their  unwonted  toil — 
And  left  the  remnant  of  their  foe  to  fiee, 
As  if  they  failed  to  there  and  then  foresee 
How  from  the  ruins  of  this  awful  night 
The  hated  tyrants  would  arise  in  might, 
Nor  saw  that  by  pursuit — a  crushing  blow — 
They'd  lay  the  whole  retreating  army  low — 
So  crippled,  and  so  helpless,  and  so  cowed, 
Had  now  become  the  phalanx  erst  so  proud. 
'Twas  well  for  Cortez,  and  his  gallant  band 
The  dusky  foe  thus  stayed  his  gory  hand, 
But  sad  was  it  for  all  the  Aztec  band 
That  they  escaped  on  that  eventful  morn — 
Torn  though  they  were,  and  crippled  and  forlorn — 
For,  as  the  future  showed,  the  tide  of  blood 
Not  yet  had  reached  its  horrifying  flood. 

VIII. 

As  from  the  lake  the  struggling  troops  defiled, 
The  rising  sun  upon  the  mountains  smiled, 
And  to  the  gaze  revealed  their  dismal  plight — 
Torn,  wretched,  bleeding,  and  a  sorry  sight. 
With  bitter  thoughts,  and  anguish  in  his  eye. 
Their  leader  scanned  them  as  they  passed  him  by, 
Before  a  stately  temple,  rising  high 
As  if  to  court  the  God  that  ruled  the  sky. 
There  on  its  steps,  dismounted  from  his  steed. 
Which  sniffed  within  his  reach  a  growing  weed — 
The  jaded  friend  that  bore  him  through  the  fight, 
Through     blood,    and     darkness,    to    the    morning 

light- 
Sat  Cortez,  not  despairing,  even  yet. 
But  full  of  disappointment,  and  regret. 
Those  broken  files  their  tragic  story  told. 
Not  always  is  the  battle  to  the  bold. 


210  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

With  feeble  limbs,  the  infantry  dragged  on, 
Their  crests,  and  banners,  and  their  muskets,  gone, 
Their  mail  and  garments,  shattered,  wet  and  torn, 
And,  they,  of  all  their  pride  and  glory  shorn. 
Their  wounds  and  bruises  by  their  rents  revealed — 
Nor  was  their  anguish  by  their  looks  concealed ; — 
And,  with  them  horseless  cavalry  appeared. 
Stripped  of  their  arms  and  tattered,  and  besmeared. 

The  eye  of  Cortez  brightened  as  in  view 

Came  Sandoval  and  Alvarado — two 

As  brave  as  ever  fought  with  Spanish  steel. 

O'er  their  escape  he  only  joy  could  feel, 

But  gladness  inexpressible  he  felt — 

And  into  tears  his  eyes  were  seen  to  melt — 

When  one  he  loved — Marina— near  him  drew, 

For  he  had  ever  found  her  fond,  and  true. 

''  To    God ! "    said   he,    "  your    presence    here   is 

due!" 
Aguilar,  too,  her  co-interpreter. 
Escaped  the  dangers  of  the  night  with  her. 
And  Martin  Lopez,  skilled  in  building  ships. 
Saluted,  with  a  prayer  upon  his  lips  ; 
But  brave  De  Leon  *  nowhere  he  could  see. 
From  which  he  knew  no  more  on  earth  was  he. 

Remounting,  Cortez  to  Tacuba  t  rode, 
And  cheered  his  weary  comrades  on  the  road. 
Then  halted  with  the  army  in  the  street, 
But  soon  resumed — for  safety — the  retreat. 
For  still  he  feared  pursuit,  and  worse  defeat. 
So  small  his  forces  were,  the  foe  to  meet ; 

*  Juan  Velasquez  De  Leon,  who  with  Alvarado  com- 
manded the  rear. 

t  Sometimes  called  Tlacopan,  a  city  of  the  valley,  and 
prior  to  this  period  the  capital  of  an  nidependent  principality. 


THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  MEXICO.  2 1 1 

And  these  in  wild  disorder  still  advanced, 
And  at  each  Aztec  cast  a  startled  glance. 

Not  distant  rose  a  green  and  lofty  hill* 

Crowned  with  a  monument  of  human  skill — 

A  native  temple  built  of  wood  and  stone. 

"  Come  on,  my  men,  this  shrine  shall  be  our  own  !  " 

Cried  Cortez  to  the  wounded  and  the  weak. 

**  We  die,  unless  we  here  a  refuge  seek," 

And  though  disheartened,  stupefied,  and  sad — 

Exhausted,  too — to  follow  they  were  glad. 

The  temple,  stormed,  soon  fell  an  easy  prey — 

For  its  defenders  fired,  then  fled  away — 

And  there  each  others'  wounds  the  captors  dressed, 

And  found  both  food,  and  temporary  rest: 

And  this  was  all  now  left  of  that  array 

Which  fled  from  Mexico  but  yesterday. 

Where  now  were  all  the  dreams  of  vast  success  ? 

All  ended  in  far  worse  than  nothingness. 

But  Cortez  in  this  famished,  bleeding  horde — 

Armed  only  with  the  cutlass,  or  the  sword — 

Found  hope,  his  ruined  fortunes  to  retrieve, 

Though  none  could  deeper  o'er  disaster  grieve. 

In  death  four  thousand  of  his  allies  slept, 

And  o'er  his  comrades, — now  no  more, — he  wept — 

For  nigh  five  hundred  sons  of  Spain  were  lost 

Ere,  on  that  fatal  night,  the  lake  was  crossed  :  f 

And  Montezuma's  children  where  were  they  ? 

*  The  hill  of  Otoncalpolco,  but  sometimes  called  the  hill 
of  Montezuma. 

t  Gomara  and  Camargo  state  the  loss  in  killed  and  miss- 
ing, of  the  Spaniards  on  the  iioche  triste,  or  melancholy  night, 
to  have  been  four  hundred  and  fifty,  of  which  forty-six  were 
cavalry,  reducing  the  number  in  this  division  of  the  army  to 
twenty-three,  in  addition  to  four  thousand  of  their  Indian 
allies,  chiefly  Tlascalans. 


212  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Too  good,  perchance,  were  they  on  earth  to  slay, 
And  perished  with  the  captives  on  the  dike — 
Too  young,  and  sad,  in  self-defence  to  strike : 
And  with  the  captives  died  Tezcuco's  chief,* 
Steeped  in  the  bitterness  of  hate,  and  grief. 


PART  SEVENTH. 

I. 

In  Mexico,— while  here  the  army  lay — 
The  Aztecs  cleared  the  wreck  of  war  away — 
Removed  the  dead  that  rose  in  ghastly  piles 
Along    the    streets — where    they  had    fought — for 

miles. 
And  from  the  causeway  bore  the  mangled  mass 
Of  friends,  and  foes,  some  yet  alive,  alas! 
And  sacrificed  their  captives  at  their  fanes, 
And  glorified  their  countrymen's  remains. 

Again  Night  o'er  the  earth  her  mantle  threw, 
And  Cortez  round  him  all  his  soldiers  drew. 
And  strove,  their  hearts,  with  courage  to  imbue. 
That  soon  the  foe  might  follow  him  he  knew. 
And,  he  was  anxious,  eager,  to  press  on 
Till  further  from  the  tragic  scene  he'd  gone. 
*'  At  midnight,  comrades,  we  our  march  resume, 
So  live  in  hope,  and  cast  aside  your  gloom. 
We'll  journey  to  the  smiling  Land  of  Bread, f 
And  banish  from  our  minds  despair,  and  dread. 

*  Cacama,  Montezuma's  nephew. 

t  Meaning   Tlascala,   a  name   signifying  "  land  of  bread," 
from  the  abundance  of  maize  grown  there. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  213 

Who  knows  what  from  our  ruins  yet  may  rise — 

What  triumphs  still  await  our  enterprise, 

And  which  disaster  to  success  will  turn, 

And  make  anew,  our  waning  ardor,  burn !  " 

His  words  rekindled  hope  in  languid  breasts, 

And  all  obeyed  his  soldierly  behests, 

And  at  the  midnight  hour  they  moved  away, 

And,  unmolested,  marched  till  dawned  the  day. 

Then  like  a  cloud  of  locusts,  on  their  rear, 

The  natives,  in  the  distance,  swarmed,  but  near 

Few  ventured  to  dispute  their  toilsome  way. 

And  to  the  front  the  mighty  mountains  lay. 

Not  from  the  city  had  these  hosts  pursued, 

But  hostile  was  the  people's  attitude. 

The  tidings  of  the  night  retreat  had  flown. 

And  gladness  spread  where'er  the  news  was  known. 

No  more  as  gods  the  Spanish  troops  were  feared, 

No  longer  as  divine  were  they  revered. 

Up  the  Sierra's  sweeping  slope  they  passed. 

By  the  pursuing  multitude  harassed. 

And  turning  oft  to  battle  with  their  foes. 

And  carnage  leave  where'er  they  struck  their  blows. 

From    heights    above,    among    their    ranks,    were 

thrown 
Huge  mountain  missiles — timber,  rock,  and  stone  — 
Which  striking,  killed,  or  wounded,  those  below. 
While  hunger  filled  their  bitter  cup  of  woe, 
And  flights  of  darts  and  arrows  coursed  the  air. 
And  met  them  here,  and  there,  and  ev'rywhere. 
Thus  day  by  day  they  climbed  the  steep  ascent. 
And  nightly  camped,  the  sky  above  them  bent. 
Or  shelter  found  in  hamlet,  or  in  town — 
Some  spot  which  seemed  to  wear  a  bitter  frown — 
Deserted  by  its  people,  stripped  of  food, 
And  silent  as  a  barren  solitude. 


214  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Thus  Famine  stole  upon  them  by  degrees. 

They'd   naught  save  what  they  gathered  from  the 

trees, 
With,  now  and  then,  a  stalk  of  golden  maize, 
For  which,  to  God,  they  uttered  grateful  praise ; 
But,  when  a  horse  was  killed,  they  paused  to  feast. 
When  vanished,  like  a  gourd,  the  faithful  beast. 
Faint  with  fatigue,  and  hunger,  one  by  one. 
They  fell,  expiring,  as  they  journeyed  on. 
The  few  who  to  their  golden  spoils  had  clung 
Through  all  their  perils,  now,  their  burdens  flung, 
As  worthless  things,  away,  for  life  to  them 
Was  dearer  than  earth's  richest  diadem. 

II. 

'T  was  on  the  seventh  morning  of  the  march — 
While  skies  above  them  formed  a  lustrous  arch — 
That,  from  the  summit  of  the  mountain  chain, 
They  looked  below,  upon  Otumba's  plain,* 
Which,  toward  the  Land  of  Bread,  stretched  leagues 

away. 
Resplendent  in  the  flashing  beams  of  day ; 
And  full  in  view  two  pyramid's  arose — 
Their  origin,  and  history,  who  knows  ? —  f 
One  sacred  to  the  sun,  and  one  the  moon  ;  and  nigh, 

*  This  was  on  the  7th  of  July.  They  were  only  nine 
leagues  from  the  capital,  but  having  come  by  a  circuitous 
course,  they  had  marched  more  than  thrice  this  distance. 

t  The  pyramids  of  Teotihuacan — with  the  exception  of  the 
temple  of  Cholula,  the  most  ancient  Mexican  remains — were 
found  by  the  Aztecs  on  their  entrance  into  the  country.  One 
was  dedicated  by  them  to  Tonatiuh — the  sun — and  the  other 
to  Meztli — the  moon.  Both  were  four  stories  high,  but  the 
former  was  by  far  the  largest,  being  six  hundred  and  eighty- 
two  feet  long  at  the  base,  and  one  hundred  and  eighty-two 
feet  high. 


THE  CONQ  VEST  OF  MEXICO.  2 1 5 

Great  numbers — smaller — met  the  searching  eye  * 
In  stately  lines  arranged,  and  built  in  rows, 
Where  found  the  dead  their  undisturbed  repose : — 
And  to  the  stars  were  dedicated  these, 
While  o'er  them  waved  gigantic  cypress-trees. 
There  still  their  ruins  stand  upon  the  plain, 
All  that  of  those  who  built  them  doth  remain — 
The  monuments  of  kings  who  passed  away, 
And  left  no  record  of  their  early  day. 
Long  ere  the  Aztecs  came  to  rule  the  land, 
And  built  by  slow  degrees  a  city  grand. 

Who,  now,  the  highest  pyramid  will  climb, 
Will  find  around  him  native  scenes  sublime:  — 
The  hills  of  Tlascala,  southeastward  rise. 
While  fields  of  grain,  surrounding,  greet  the  eyes, 
And  in  their  midst  a  dwarfish  village  lies 
Where  once  a  city  wooed  to  enterprise. 
Still  further  to  the  south  the  Puebla  plains 
Reveal  the  summits  of  their  Christian  fanes. 
For  Puebla's  churches,  grand,  and  famous,  still, 
All  who  upon  them  gaze,  with  wonder  fill ; 
And  to  the  west,  extending  far  away. 
The  splendid  valley  t  blushes  in  the  day — 
With  Mexico,  that  once  from  ruins  rose. 
Spread  out  below,  new  beauties  to  disclose, — 
Encompassed  by  its  hills  umbrageous,  bold — 
Which  gather  round  it  as  they  did  of  old, — 
And  by  its  shrunken  lakes  that  shine  like  gold. 


*  These  were  seldom  more  than  thirty  feet  high,  and  had 
served  as  sepulchres  for  the  great  among  those  who  built 
them — a  people  lost  in  the  mists  of  tradition  at  the  time  of  the 
conquest.  The  plain  where  they  stand  was  called  by  the 
Aztecs  Micoatl  or  the  Path  of  the  Dead. 

t  The  valley  of  Mexico. 


2i6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Who  e'er  can  on  that  lovely  prospect  gaze, 
And  not  recall  the  scenes  of  other  days  ? 

III. 

As  the  Sierra's  crest  the  army  turned, 

A  mighty  host,  below  them,  they  discerned* 

Arrayed  in  snowy  cotton  mail,  and  armed 

With  weapons  which  the  Spanish  scouts  alarmed. 

The  Aztec  braves  from  all  the  country  near — 

Each  with  his  darts,  his  arrows,  and  his  spear — 

Had  gathered  to  attack  the  fleeing  foe, 

And  crush  the  hated  tyrant  at  a  blow. 

Obedient  to  the  monarch's  call  t  they'd  come — 

With  clanging  shells,  and  hollow-sounding  drum — 

Their  country's  wrongs,  and  insults,  to  avenge, 

And  wreak,  in  blood,  a  terrible  revenge. 

Far  as  the  eye  could  reach  their  banners  waved. 

Such  odds  not  even  Cortez  e'er  had  braved ; 

But  he  and  all  his  little  army,  knew 

That  great  success  alone, would  bear  them  through, — 

That  dire  defeat  would  carry  death  to  all — 

A  thought  which  might  the  stoutest  hearts  appall, — 

That  from  the  conflict  there  was  no  retreat. 

And  this  emboldened  all,  the  foe  to  meet. 

A  restless  sea  of  helmets,  shields  and  spears. 

Lay  stretched  before  the  way-worn  cavaliers. 

Where    they  had  hoped    for  peace,  and  rest,  they 

found 
Another,  and  an  awful,  battle-ground. 

The  dispositions  for  the  fight  were  made, 
And  Cortez,  then,  invoked  Almighty  aid, 

*  Estimated  to  have  numbered  two  hundred  thousand  men. 
t  Cuitlahua,  Montezuma's  successor. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  217 

And  prayed  the  Virgin,  and  Saint  James  to  shield 

All  soldiers  of  the  Cross,  who  took  the  field. 

Next,  turning  to  his  troops,  he  said — "  My  men  ! 

Your  lot  it  is  to  face  the  foe  again — 

The  foe  that  you  have  vanquished  oftentime 

With  Christian  courage,  dauntless  and  sublime. 

When  numbers  nigh  as  great  as  those  we  see 

Contended  with  you  for  the  mastery. 

Be  not  dismayed  by  multitudes  :  we  know 

That  God  is  with  us  wheresoe'er  we  go. 

And  He  who,  through  our  perils,  brought  us  here 

Is  still  our  guide,  to  succor,  and  to  cheer. 

The  infidel  must  fall  beneath  our  swords ! 

The  Cross  will  triumph  o'er  barbaric  hordes, 

And  with  our  lances  we  will  dye  the  plain 

With  Aztec  blood,  and  strew  it  o'er  with  slain  !  " 

Then  straight  against  two  hundred  thousand  foes — 

Whose  cries  for  vengeance  from  the  valley  rose — 

He  led  his  little,  but  determined  band — 

A  solemn,  thrilling  spectacle,  and  grand. 

Down  from  the  mountains  to  the  plain  they  passed 

In  silence,  and  in  battle  order  massed. 

Their  twenty  horsemen  mounted  in  the  van. 

And  as  they  marciied  the  Aztec  army  ran 

To  meet  them  with  discordant  yells,  that  rang 

Among  the  hills,  and  rocks  and  peaks — a  clang 

The  Andes  echoed  back,  while  missiles  flew 

So  thickly  as  to  hide  the  stormy  view. 

The  Spanish  soldiers  vanished  in  the  crowd, 

And  "  Christ  and  Santiago  !  "  cried  aloud. 

A  river  in  an  ocean  had  been  lost. 

And  on  its  billows  wrecks  were  wild.ly  tossed. 

Soon,  in  the  Aztec  ranks  a  breach  was  made, 

On  either  side  of  which  the  masses  swayed. 

As  charged  the  mounted  men  at  flying  speed — 

The  spirit  of  the  rider  in  his  steed. 


2i8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Confusion  followed  as  they  backward  fell, 

And  then  the  infantry  supported  well. 

The  breach  was  widened,  but  again  to-  close, 

And  they,  once  more,  were  lost  among  their  foes. 

But  like  an  islet  in  an  angry  sea. 

Or,  'mid  the  shock  of  arms,  as  stands  a  tree, 

They  stood  unmoved,  unflinching,  firm,  and  true, 

And,  with  their  swords,  and  lances,  thousands  slew. 

They  fought  with  desperation,  knowing  well 

Defeat  would  be  a  sacrificial  hell. 

Their  native  allies  mingled  in  the  fray 

As  eager  as  themselves  the  foe  to  slay. 

And  man  to  man  they  struggled,  each  for  life, 

Amid  a  roaring  hurricane  of  strife. 

Long  hours  of  bloody  warfare  passed  away. 
And  high  above  them  rode  the  God  of  day, 
And  poured  his  fervent  beams  upon  the  plain, 
Where  Cortez  fought,  as  yet,  his  foes,  in  vain. 
His  comrades,  all,  were  wounded  in  the  fray. 
And  some  around  him  dead  and  mangled  lay. 
Still  round  him  surged  the  sea  of  native  braves 
That   ebbed,    and   rose,    and   dashed    like    mighty 

waves, 
Fresh  masses  beating  wildly  to  the  front. 
Could  he  much  longer  bear  the  battle's  brunt  .'* 
His  wearied  troops  ere  this  began  to  flag. 
And  some  their  feeble  limbs  could  hardly  drag. 
The  horse  fell  back,  and  crowded  on  the  foot, 
And  boldly  both  essayed  their  way  to  cut 
Through — as  before — the  host  that  gathered  round, 
But  like  a  wall  it  seemed  their  course  to  bound. 
Faint  with  fatigue,  and  loss  of  blood,  at  length 
They  felt,  nor  failed  to  show,  their  waning  strength. 
The  natives  with  redoubled  force  assailed, 
And  wild  with  rapture  coming  conquest  hailed. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  219 

They  saw  the  weakness  of  their  wearied  foe, 
And  strong  with  ardor  each  one  aimed  his  blow. 
High  ran  against  the  Sword  and  Cross  the  tide — 
While  "  Santiago  !  "  loudly  Cortez  cried — 
And  all  the  Spaniards  now  could  do  was  still 
Their  fighting  foes  at  every  blow  to  kill, 
And  sell  their  lives  as  dearly  as  they  could, 
Then  fall,  expiring,  in  a  sea  of  blood. 
Against  them  seemed  to  point  the  hand  of  Fate, 
And  all  believed  they  fought  at  Glory's  gate. 
Their  leader's  eye  impending  ruin  saw. 
And  from  the  vortex  sought,  his  troops,  to  draw, ' 
And  rising  in  his  stirrups,  scanned  the  field 
In  search  of  what  might  aid,  or  refuge,  yield, 
When,  suddenly,  far  distant,  he  descried 
A  great  cazique,  with  nobles  at  his  side,* 
Borne  in  a  palanquin  in  robes  of  state. 
None  else  in  all  the  throng  appeared  so  great, 
And  Cortez  said,  "  'T  is  he  who  holds  command. 
I'll  seize  him,  and  demoralize  his  band." 
His  surcoat  was  of  gorgeous  feather  mail 
That  well  became  his  color — tawny — pale — 
While  scarlet  plumes  high  o'er  a  coronet — 
And  over  that  a  staff,  and  golden  net  f 
To  hold  a  banner — rose  above  his  head — 
Though  to  the  winds  the  flag  was  rarely  spread — 
A  strange  device — the  symbol  of  his  sway. 
And  round  him  all  was  picturesque  and  gay. 

With  glance  triumphant  Cortez  turned,  and  cried 
To  those — his  captains  % — fighting  by  his  side — 

*  This  was  Cihuaca,  the  Aztec  commander. 

t  A  short  staff  was  attached  to  his  back,  and — bearing  a 
golden  net  for  a  banner — rose  above  the  panache  of  plumes, 
set  in  gold  and  gems,  which  formed  his  head-dress. 

J  Sandoval,  Alvarado,  Avila  and  Olid. 


220  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

"  There  lies  our  mark !    Straight  onward  let  us  ride  !  " 

And  with  his  war-cry  sounding  clear  and  loud, 

He    spurred    his  steed,  and  bounded    through    the 

crowd. 
The  native  legions  fell — disordered — back, 
Dismayed  and  daunted  by  the  fierce  attack. 
While  with  his  lance  he  pierced  opponents  through. 
And,  'neath  his  charger's  hoofs,  more  crushed,  and 

slew. 
His  mounted  comrades  followed  in  the  rear. 
And  felt,  though  bold  and  brave,  a  sense  of  fear. 
On,  with  the  fury  of  the  storm,  they  went. 
Through  solid  ranks,  which  they  asunder  rent. 
Their  pathway  strewed  with  dying,  and  with  dead — 
The  path  that  straight  to  Ci-hu-a-ca  led. 
On  whom  with  lance  in  hand  Hernando  rushed. 
And,  ere  he  paused,  the  chieftain  felled,  and  crushed, 
His  guardsmen  fleeing,  trampled  down,  or  killed, 
And  all  around  with  consternation  filled. 
So  sudden  and  appalling,  was  the  blow — 
Which  turned  the  tide,  and  struck    their  chieftain 

low — 
That  all  the  Aztecs  reeled  beneath  the  shock. 
And  fled  like  sheep,  when  wolves  assail  the  flock. 
With  lightning  speed  the  woeful  tidings  spread 
That  he  who  erst  had  led  them  now  was  dead. 
A  panic  seized  on  all  that  mighty  throng. 
Which  seemed  till  then  so  fearless,  and  so  strong. 
Their  terror  to  their  own  confusion  led. 
Their  numbers  but  intensified  their  dread. 
They  knew  their  foes  pursued  them  as  they  fled. 
And  trod  each  other  down  as  on  they  sped. 
The  sudden  change,  so  marvellously  wrought. 
Refreshed  the  victors,  who,  like  demons,  fought. 
For  vengeance  eager,  dealing  death  around, 
Till,  in  a  flood  of  gore,  the  plain  was  drowned. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  221 

And  twenty  thousand  bodies  strewed  the  ground.* 

Long  they  the  flying  foe  pursued,  with  haste, 

And  with  their  wondrous  victory  elate. f 

Then — when  with  slaughter  sated — they  returned 

To  glean  the  golden  spoils  for  which  they  yearned 

And  filch  barbaric  splendors  from  the  dead — 

The  chieftains  who  their  native  hosts  had  led — 

The  sun  was  sinking  in  the  v^estern  sky, 

When  prayers  arose  to  Jesus  throned  on  high. 

In  gratitude  for  boon  so  vast  and  great — 

For  this  escape  from  dire  impending  fate. 

They  falsely  deemed  the  heathen  ne'er  had  rights, 

And  that  Jehovah  sanctified  their  fights — 

That  all  the  blood  they  spilt  for  Him  was  shed. 

Who  bade  them,  with  their  swords,  the  gospel  spread. 

Such  was  the  spirit  of  their  age,  and  race. 

And  they,  in  conquest,  saw  a  Christian  grace. 

IV. 

The  troops  resumed  their  march  ere  died  the  day, 

Across  the  plain  which,  now,  deserted  lay. 

And  just  as  night  with  darkness  draped  the  land — 

Succeeding  an  effulgent  sunset,  grand — 

They  reached  a  temple,  standing  on  a  height, 

And  camped  till  morning  shed  again  its  light. 

Once  more  in  the  ascendant  was  the  star 

Of  Cortez  in  the  tragedy  of  war. 

Defeat  had  into  victory  been  turned, 

*  The  number  estimated  to  have  been  slain. 

t  The  battle  was  fought  on  the  8th  of  July,  1520,  and  was 
the  most  remarkable  victory  ever  achieved  by  the  Spaniards 
in  the  New  World,  considering  that  they  had  lost  \.\i&  pres- 
tige of  success,  that  they  were  without  cannon  or  firearms  of 
any  kind,  and  wasted  by  disease,  famine  and  prolonged  suffer- 
ing, and  bearing  in  mind  the  immense  disi^arity  of  the  forces. 


222  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  all  the  Aztec  host,  in  trhimph,  spurned. 
War's  glorified  uncertainty  behold  ! 
Chance  rules  it  still,  as  in  the  days  of  old. 

Save  clouds  of  skirmishers  that  came  and  went — 
While  throwing  volleys  at  their  foes  intent — 
Naught  menaced  on  the  morn  that  broke  anew, 
Nor  near  enough  for  battle  these  e'er  drew, 
And  as  the  forward  march  was  soon  resumed — 
While,  far  and  wide,  the  sun  the  earth  illumed — 
They  vanished  in  the  distance,  one  by  one. 
Till,  from  the  shining  landscape,  all  had  gone. 

That  day  they  camped  within  the  Land  of  Bread,* 

Where  friendly  greetings  dissipated  dread. 

The  fierce  republic — Montezuma's  foe — 

Had  gloried  in  his  woes,  and  overthrow. 

And  grieved  o'er  the  disasters  of  the  night 

When  Cortez,  and  his  army,  took  to  flight. 

They  welcomed  him  with  hospitable  cheer. 

But  thousands  wept  o'er  missing  kinsmen,  dear, 

Who  went,  as  allies,  to  return  no  more. 

Life's  battle  thus,  too  soon,  for  them,  was  o'er. 

The     loving     mother    rhourned     her     slaughtered 

child  ; 
The  warrior's  wife  gave  way  to  frenzy  wild ; 
The  tender  maiden,  who  had  loved,  and  lost. 
Was  like  a  flower  nipped  by  winter's  frost ; 
And  father,  sister,  brother,  sadly  sighed — 
While  in  their  anguish  sons  and  daughters  cried — 
O'er  those  who  in  the  war  had  bravely  died. 
By  grief  and  disappointment  hearts  were  wrung. 
And  songs  of  sorrow  plaintively  were  sung. 

*  The  Republic  of  Tlascala,  hostile  to  the  Empire  of  Mex- 
ico, and  known  as  the  Land  of  Bread. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  223 

V. 

Here  found  the  shattered  army  peace,  and  rest, 

But  many  by  their  wounds  were  sore  oppressed. 

And  Cortez  lingered  at  the  door  of  death, 

So  near,  he  hardly  seemed  to  draw  his  breath  ; 

But  health  o'er  sickness  triumphed,  and  he  rose 

Resolved  again  to  battle  with  his  foes. 

Not  so  his  comrades,  save  a  few,  were  prone. 

The  thought  of  further  bloodshed  made  them  groan, 

For  they  were  eager  Mexico  to  flee, 

And  once  again  on  Cuba's  shore  to  be. 

Thus  discontent  among  them  grew  apace 

When  he  proclaimed  that  he'd  his  Steps  retrace. 

In  triumph,  to  the  city  left  behind. 

So  soon  as  he  could  reinforcements  find, 

And  loud,  and  deep,  the  sullen  murmurs  grew. 

"Let  us,"  said  they,  "our  homeward  march  renew, 

Till  Vera  Cruz,  and  ocean,  meet  our  view. 

To  strive  for  conquest  longer  would  be  v.ain. 

And  we  should,  soon,  be  numbered  with  the  slain  !  " 

He  saw  that  yielding  to  his  troops'  appeal 

Would  end  his  dream  of  glory  in  Castile, 

And  unaccomplished  leave  the  great  emprise, 

Which  he  awaited,  yet,  with  longing  eyes. 

"  No,  I  will  reap  where  I  have  sown,"  he  cried, 

"  Nor  leave  ungathered  harvests  at  my  side 

For  other  hands  to  garner.     Wealth  is  ours 

And  glory,  too,  if  we  exert  our  powers  ; 

But  to  abandon  conquest  is  defeat. 

And  I  will  ne'er  retreat  with  willing  feet! 

Let  those  who  would,  like  cowards  slink  away. 

But  all  the  brave  will,  resolutely,  stay, 

And  share,  as  heroes,  in  the  great  renown 

With  which  success,  our  enterprise,  will  crown  !  " 

His  vet'ran  troops  around  him  gathered  then — 


224  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

A  reckless  band  of  brave  and  trusty  men — 

And  swore  that  they'd  to  him  be  ever  true, 

And  called  on  all  their  comrades  thus  to  do, 

Convinced  their  course,  they  ne'er  would  live  to  rue. 

This  silenced  disaffection  for  awhile, 

But  many  longed  for  Cuba's  sunny  isle, 

Nor  sighed  they  less  for  this  when  dangers  new, 

Confronted  them,  and  formidable  grew. 

Not  all  the  chiefs  were  friendly  to  their  cause. 

One  asked — "  Why  feed  we  those  who  break  our 

laws. 
Who  have  our  sons  consigned  to  early  graves, 
And  who  would  fain  make  Tlascalans  their  slaves  ? 
Let  us  destroy  the  monsters  while  they're  weak 
Ere  they  their  vengeance  on  us  all  can  wreak," 
And  even  Cortez  apprehensions  felt; 
He  saw  't  was  on  volcanoes  that  he  dwelt. 
Just  then  ambassadors,  of  high  degree. 
From  Tenochtitlan  came,  the  chiefs  to  see, 
And  urge  the  fierce  republic  to  unite 
With  Mexico  in  fighting  for  the  right; 
And  they — the  chiefs — in  council  met  to  solve 
The  question — on  their  future  course  resolve. 
Thus  spoke  the  chief  ambassador  :  "  Behold  ! 
Like  wolves  the  white  men  linger  in  your  fold ! 
With  us  arise,  and  slay  them  ere  they  flee. 
Your  gods  to  see  them  here,  must  wrathful  be. 
For  they  your  sacred  fanes  have  rendered  waste. 
And  all  your  ancient  glory  nigh  effaced. 
If  ye  to  their  support,  and  friendship  trust. 
Remember  how  they  ground  us  in  the  dust, 
And  warning  take  from  Tenochtitlan's  fate 
Before  ye  find  it — countrymen — too  late. 
Join  hands  with  us,  and  we'll  forget  the  past. 
And  make  these  Spanish  despots  stand  aghast. 
The  sacrificial  block  awaits  them  all, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  225 

If  ye  respond  to  this  our  monarch's  call.* 

All  Anahuac's  nations  should  combine 

To  death,  these  dreaded  tyrants  to  consign." 

The  younger  chiefs  were  eager  to  unite 

With  former  foes,  the  greater  foe  to  fight, 

But  those  of  riper  years  had  deeper  hate 

For  Mexico — the  mighty  Valley  State — 

Than  they  had  dread  of  Cortez,  and  his  band, 

And  so  resolved  alone  that  they  would  stand. 

'T  was  fear,  they  said,  that  prompted  this  appeal, 

But  tiiey  would  court  the  friendship  of  Castile. 

Could  Fortune  more  have  favored  Cortez  ?    No, 

For  Tlascala  could,  now,  have  struck  a  blow, 

Which  would  have  laid  the  bold  invaders  low. 

'T  was  only  by  divisions  they  could  hope 

To  find  for  action  a  sufficient  scope, 

And,  with  no  native  allies  in  the  land. 

Soon  would  have  perished  all  the  Spanish  band. 

No  longer,  the  republic,  Cortez  feared. 

For  friendly  to  his  cause  all  now  appeared. 

The  malcontents  were  hushed,  and  Spaniards  slept 

Where  they  before  had  nightly  vigils  kept. 

VI. 

In  action  Cortez  saw  that  safety  lay, 

For  idleness  gave  discontent  its  play. 

Some  neighb'ring  tribes  had  Spanish  soldiers  slain. 

And  he  would  march  against  them  o'er  the  plain.* 

*Cuitlahua,  brother  and  successor  of  Montezuma,  who  died 
of  small-pox — brought  into  the  country  by  the  Spaniards — 
after  he  had  reigned  only  four  months. 

J  Tepeaca  was  a  province  of  Mexico — the  Axtec  Empire — 
adjacent  to  Tlascala,  and  the  Tepeacans  had  previously  mas- 
sacred twelve  Spaniards  on  their  march  from  Tlascala  to  the 
capital. 


226  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Tepeacans  to  Tlascalans  were  foes, 
And  both  were  ripe  to  strike  each  other  blows, 
So  Tlascala  would  join  him  in  the  fight 
Against  Tepeaca,  and  show  its  might. 
And  thus  his  army  prestige  would  regain, 
By  causing  blood  the  fertile  fields  to  stain. 
And  piling  up  huge  monuments  of  dead. 
To  battle,  then,  his  soldiers,  Cortez  led, 
With  hosts  of  allies  marshalled  in  the  rear — 
Who  rent  the  air  with  whistles,  shrill  and  clear. 
Two  fierce  engagements,  desperately  fought, 
The  writhing  region  to  subjection  brought, 
And  victory,  in  savage  slaughter,  won.* 
The  brutal  work  of  conquest  quickly  done. 
The  foe  surrendered,  and  allegiance  owned. 
The  people  'neath  the  brand  in  anguish  groaned, 
For  they  by  Cortez  were  condemned  as  slaves ;  f 
And  here  to  bondage  first  consigned  were  braves 
On  this  great  Western  Continent — a  doom 
Which  those  enslaved  soon  likened  to  the  tomb. 


*The  army  of  Cortez  in  this  encounter  has  been  estimated  at 
50,000  men,  one-half  of  the  fighting  force  of  Tlascala.  Two 
pitched  battles  were  fought  before  the  enemy  tendered  his 
submission. 

t  The  inhabitants  of  the  places  implicated  in  the  massacre 
were  branded  with  a  hot  iron  as  slaves,  and,  after  the  royal 
fifth  had  been  reserved,  were  distributed  among  the  Spaniards, 
and  their  allies.  This  was  the  first  instance  of  slavery  on  the 
American  Continent,  but  the  punishment  was  afterwards  dis- 
approved bv  the  Spanish  Government.  The  Tepeacans  were 
charged  with  rebellion  because,  when  the  Spaniards  first 
marched  through  the  country  they  swore  allegiance  to  them, 
but  after  the  disasters  in  the  capital,  transferred  this  back 
again  to  the  Aztec  Empire,  and  hence  the  severity  of  the  sen- 
tence inflicted  on  those  who  had  added  murder  to  their  politi- 
cal crimes.  The  system  of  repartiniientos  in  the  West  India 
islands  suggested  this  enslavement  of  the  people. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO,  227 

Their  crime  resistance  to  Invasion's  yoke, 
And  pledges  of  allegiance  which  they  broke. 

Hence,  Cortez  marched  to  join  a  traitor  chief, 
Who  longed  to  see  his  country  plunged  in  grief.* 
He,  with  his  people,  humbly  bending  down, 
Declared  allegiance  to  the  Spanish  crown, 
And  drove  the  Aztec  army  from  the  town. 
The  Tlascalans,  like  bloodhounds,  in  pursuit. 
While  Mercy  in  each  soldier's  breast  was  mute. 
The  allies  and  the  Aztecs  fought,  and  slew. 
And  wild,  then  wilder  still,  the  conflict  grew. 
While  thousands — slaughtered — weltered    in    their 

gore. 
And  thirsting  Vengeance  clamored,  yet,  for  more. 
The  suburbs  blazed  along  the  line  of  flight, 
And  now  and  then  the  Aztecs  turned  to  fight. 
Still  thirty  thousand  strong,  and  brave,  were  they, 
With  captains  rich  in  opulent  display. 
When  Cortez  charging,  routed  them,  and  lo ! 
Like  water  blood  was  made  again  to  flow. 
And,  of  that  army,  few  escaped  to  tell 
How  it  was  butchered  in  the  mountain  dell, 
And  how  the  victors  gloated  o'er  the  spoils 
Of  all  who  fell  within  their  deadly  toils. 
Another  blow  at  Mexico  was  dealt ; 
Another  pang  was  through  the  Empire  felt 
As  Itzocan  surrendered,  deep  in  blood, 
A  town  that  had  for  days  the  siege  withstood, 
And  here  the  spoils,  in  treasure,  found  were  great, 
While  sad  and  stormy  was  its  people's  fate. 

*  The  cazique  of  Quauhquechollan,  a  city  in  the  Aztec  Em- 
pire of  thirty  thousand  inhabitants,  at  the  foot  of  a  range  of 
mountains,  about  twelve  leagues  from  the  Spanish  quarters 
in  Tepeaca,  where  a  large  Aztec  army  had  assembled,  against 
which  the  people  fought  on  the  arrival  of  Cortez. 


228  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Then  to  Tepeaca — the  conquered — back 
The  army  marched,  still  eager  to  attack, 
And  all  the  cities  of  the  foe  to  sack. 
On  expeditions  it  was  sent  afar. 
And  o'er  the  country  spread  the  flames  of  war, 
Till  from  the  mighty  Volcan  on  the  West, 
To  where  bold  Orizaba  bared  her  breast 
Far  in  the  East,  and  from  the  mountains'  base. 
To  where  the  ocean  lay,  with  furrowed  face, 
The  knee  to  Spain,  'mid  massacre,  was  bowed, 
And  mourning  fell  on  conquest  like  a  shroud. 
Beneath  the  sword  of  Cortez  thus  there  grew — 
Each  day  becoming  larger  to  the  view — 
An  empire,  fertile,  populous  and  wide. 
With  which  he  all  the  Aztec  arms  defied. 

VII. 

To  Mexico  't  was,  now,  that  Cortez  turned — 

The  prize  for  which  his  restless  spirit  yearned — 

But  to  the  causeways  he  would  trust  no  more. 

In  brigantines  he'd  sail  the  waters  o'er,"^ 

And  Martin  Lopez  these,  with  speed  would  build, 

For  he  in  building  caravels  was  skilled. 

To  Tlascala,  as  ordered,  he  repaired. 

And  for  his  task  with  diligence  prepared. 

The  forest  round  him  yielded  ample  wood; 

To  do  his  bidding  natives  ready  stood ; 

From  Vera  Cruz  he  sails,  and  rigging  drew. 

And  bolts  and  nails  and  copper-sheathing,  too. 

And  pitch  from  pines  that  on  the  mountains  grew, 

And  e'er  the  army  deemed  the  work  begun, 

The  sturdy  builder  cried,  "  Behold  it  done  !  " 

*  A  number  of  these  vessels  had  been  constructed  under 
his  orders  in  Montezuma's  time,  but  they  were  subsequently 
destroyed  by  the  populace. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  229 

Thirteen  stout  brigantines,  in  parts,  he  made 
To  be  upon  the  backs  of  natives  laid, 
And  so  borne  o'er  the  mountains  to  the  scene 
Of  battle,  with  the  shining  lake  between.* 

The  white  disease — a  desolating  plague — f 

Of  which  the  people's  knowledge  was  but  vague — 

Mowed  down  the  native  populace  like  grass, 

Alike  in  valley,  and  in  mountain  pass — 

A  bitter  scourge  which  ne'er  was  known  before 

The  stern  invaders  landed  on  their  shore. 

It  plucked  the  Aztec  monarch  from  his  throne,| 

And  claimed  the  greatest  chieftains  for  its  own.§ 

VIII. 

Success  and  plunder  made  the  army  glad. 
And  those  were  joyous  now  who  once  were  sad, 
But  some  hidalgos  still  for  Cuba  sighed — 
As  sighs  the  lover  for  his  absent  bride — 
And  unto  these  their  leader  said — "  Begone, 
If  ye  would  not,  with  me,  still  battle  on  !  " 
And  so  they  journeyed  to  their  chosen  isle, 

*  Lake  Tezcuco,  surrounding  the  city  of  Mexico. 

t  The  small-pox. 

X  On  the  death  of  the  Emperor  Cuitlahua — Montezuma's 
brother  and  successor — his  nephew  Quauhtemotzin, — or,  as 
the  Spaniards  corrupted  the  name,  Guatemozin — who  had 
married  Tecuichpo,  Montezuma's  daughter — ascended  the 
throne.     He  was  then  in  his  twenty-fifth  year. 

§  Among  these  was  Maxixca,  the  principal  chief  in  Tlas- 
cala,  and  the  stanchest  friend  the  Spaniards  had  met  with 
there.  Father  Olmeda  was  sent  to  him,  and  he  died  in  the 
Christian  faith  {>)  declaring  that  the  Spaniards  were  the 
great  beings  whose  coming  into  the  country  had  been  pre- 
dicted by  the  oracles.  Montezuma,  it  will  be  remembered, 
labored  under  a  similar  impression. 


230  THE  CONQUEST  OE  MEXICO. 

Where  Nature  wears  eternally  a  smile.* 

Their  loss  was  followed  by  a  speedy  gain. 

Two  ships  arrived  which  showed  the  flag  of  Spain, 

Both  by  Velasquez  sent  with  stores  for  those 

Who  came  to  treat  compatriots  as  foes. 

Instructions  came  with  these  to  Cortez  seize, 

And  send  him  on  for  trial  o'er  the  seas.f 

The  unsuspecting  crews  were  seized  instead. 

And  to  the  distant  camp  of  Cortez  led, 

Where  they  were  in  the  army's  ranks  enrolled. 

And  told  that  Fortune  favored  but  the  bold. 

In  dire  distress,  two  other  ships  arrived, 

Whose  crews,  at  seizure,  with  the  troops  connived. 

And  willingly  the  band  of  Cortez  joined, 

While  Fancy  for  them  boundless  riches  coined  ;  % 

And  soon  there  still  another  vessel  came — 

Attracted  by  the  country's  budding  fame — 

From  the  Canary  Isles  and  Cuban  shores, 

With  welcome  arms  and  military  stores. 

The  ship,  and  cargo,  Cortez  bought  with  gold, 

And  cried  aloud — "These  blessings  I  foretold," 

While  fresh  recruits  were  furnished  by  its  crew. 

The  army's  prospects  brightened  to  the  view. 


*  They  sailed  from  Vera  Cruz  in  one  of  the  ships  of  the 
fleet  commanded  by  Narvaez  before  his  capture  by  Cortez. 

t  The  ships  were  sent  to  Vera  Cruz  for  the  relief  of  Nar- 
vaez by  Velasquez,  governor  of  Cuba,  and  bore  among  other 
despatches  one  from  Bishop  Fonseca,  the  Spanish  colonial 
secretary,  instructing  Narvaez  to  send  Cortez  to  Spain  for 
trial  if  he  had  not  already  done  so. 

%  These  ships  had  been  sent  by  Garay,  governor  of  Jamaica, 
to  plant  a  colony  on  the  river  Panuca,  north  of  Vera  Cruz,  in 
contempt  of  the  claims  of  Cortez.  Three  had  sailed  but  one 
had  foundered,  and  the  expedition  came  to  an  end  in  the  man- 
ner described. 


,.       or 


T//£:  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  23I 

So  providential  seemed  this  help  in  need 

That  all  ascribed  it  to  the  Lord  indeed. 

"  He  that,"  said  they,  "  the  raven's  young  doth  feed 

Has  succor  sent  to  those  who  fight  for  Him, 

And  never  may  the  sword  His  glory  dim." 

IX. 

'T  was  now  that  Cortez,  full  of  hope,  and  pride, 
With  exultation  coming  conquest  eyed, 
And  to  Marina,  ever  at  his  side, 
Exclaimed — "  Ere  to  the  capital  I  go, 
I'll  tell  my  Sov'reign  more  of  Mexico — 
All  I  have  seen,  and  done  and  mean  to  do, 
And  how,  to  Spain,  I've  never  been  but  true. 
I'll  tell  him  that  Velasquez  is  my  foe. 
And  disappointed,  aims  to  strike  me  low, 
And  court  investigation  by  the  Crown. 
Castile  I  know  will  praise,  not  crush  me  down  !  " 
And,  eager  all  his  actions  to  defend, 
This  second  letter  to  the  throne  he  penned, 
And    prayed   the   Monarch   would   his    cause    be- 
friend :  * 
And  where  he  wrote,  a  colony  he  planned, 
The  second  he  had  founded  in  the  land. 
And  called  the  spot  Segura,  hoping  there — 
Where  all  in  Nature  was  divinely  fair — 
Security  to  find  from  all  his  foes, 
And  those  twin  blessings,  plenty  and  repose.* 

*  The  Emperor  Charles  V.  was  then  on  the  throne  of  Cas- 
tile, and  this,  the  celebrated  second  letter  of  Cortez,  was  the 
first  full  and  authentic  account  received  in  Europe  of  the  popu- 
lous Empire  of  Mexico,  his  first  letter  having  been  dispatched 
from  Vera  Cruz  before  he  had  penetrated  into  the  interior. 

t  The  full  name  given  to  the  settlement — the  second  Span- 
ish colony  in  Mexico — was  Segura  de   la  Frontera^  or  Secu- 


232  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

In  view  of  wants  the  future  might  disclose, 

A  trusty  cavaUer  Hernando  chose* 

To  sail  to  San  Domingo  for  supplies, 

And  gave  him  ships,  and  gold,  for  his  emprise, 

And  bade  him  for  his  army  find  recruits, 

And  tell  how  rich  were  Conquest's  golden  fruits. 

Then  to  the  Land  of  Bread,  twelve  leagues  away, 

The  Spanish  army  marched,  in  dense  array, 

While  Cortez,  in  his  glory,  led  the  van. 

And  to  behold  the  sight  the  people  ran. 

With  trophies,  and  with  banners,  spoils,  and  slaves. 

All  battle-captured  from  the  Aztec  braves — 

The  pageant  of  a  conqueror,  it  passed 

Through  towns  and  villages,  until  at  last 

The  grand  procession  reached  its  journey's  end, 

While   cheers   and  songs,  in   peace  were  heard  to 

blend — 
The  friendly  greetings  of  a  conquered  race.f 
The  saddened  heart  reproached  the  smiling  face. 
There  Cortez  drilled  his  allies  in  the  art 
Of  fighting  with  the  arrow,  spear,  and  dart, 
And  for  his  march  to  Mexico  prepared. 
"  'T  is  ours,"  he  cried,  "  if  I  am  only  spared. 
And  we  shall  have  revenge  for  all  the  blood 
That  mingled,  by  the  causeway,  with  the  flood." 
Five  months  from  that  sad  night  had  scarce  gone  by. 


rity  of  the  Frontier,  and  it  was  situated  in  what  was  previ- 
ously the  province  of  Tepeaca.  It  rose  to  importance  soon 
afterwards,  but  nothing  now  remains  to  commemorate  the 
flourishing  Indian  capital  of  Tepeaca,  but  a  small  village 
which  bears  its  name. 

*Alonzo  de  Avila,  who  also  bore  conciliatory  dispatches 
from  Cortez  to  the  Royal  Audience  at  San  Domingo.  The 
expedition  consisted  of  four  vessels. 

t  The  march  of  the  army  was  through  Cholula  to  Tlascala 
and  took  place  about  the  middle  of  December. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  233 

When  all    seemed   lost,   and   Death    was   hov'ring 

nigh— 
When  Ruin  like  a  stern  avenger  came, 
And  left  the  army  little  but  its  fame  : — 
Yet  now  behold  ! — how  wondrous  was  the  change  I 
'T  was  like  romance,  improbable,  and  strange, 
Or  stranger  still  some  inconsistent  dream, 
Where  all  may  real,  yet  fantastic,  seem. 
The  shattered  wreck  became  a  mighty  host. 
Whose  sway  was  from  the  mountains  to  the  coast. 
New  armies,  as  by  some  enchantment,  rose, 
And  Cortez  ruled,  triumphant,  o'er  his  foes.* 


PART  EIGHTH. 

I. 

In  Mexico's  proud  capital  't  was  known 
That  Cortez  scon  would  claim  it  as  his  own, 
And  strive  to  drive  the  monarch  from  his  throne, 
And  crush  his  ancient  empire  in  the  dust. 
In  Might  not  Right  all  knew  he  placed  his  trust. 
So  Quahtemozin — he  who  wore  the  crownf 
Since  Death  had  struck  his  predecessor  down — 
Resolved  to  perish,  or  to  reap  renown — 
Prepared  the  threatened  storm  to  bravely  meet, 
And  force  the  fierce  invaders  to  retreat. 

*  Although,  however,  the  native  army  of  Cortez — estimated 
as  high  as  150,000 — was  as  large  as  he  could  desire,  his  own 
troops  numbered,  at  this  time,  less  than  six  hundred  men, 
forty  of  whom  were  cavalry,  and  eighty  arquebusiers  or  cross- 
bow-men. The  infantry  were  armed  with  sword  and  target, 
and  the  copperheaded  pike  of  the  country.  His  artillery  was 
limited  to  nine  cannon  of  moderate  calibre. 

t  The  name  is  also  written  Guatemozin. 


234  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

He  called  his  noble  vassals  to  his  side, 
And  in  their  breasts  roused  patriotic  pride ; 
Reviewed  his  troops  as  one  who  knew  them  well, 
And  urged  them  all  as  soldiers  to  excel ; 
The  useless,  and  infirm,  dispatched  away, 
And  bade  his  people  the  invaders  slay 
Wherever  found,  in  darkness,  or  by  day ; 
Built  new  defences,  and  with  warlike  zeal, 
Made  Mexico  his  youthful  ardor  feel. 
While  to  his  God  he  prayed  to  scourge  the  foe, 
And  on  him  bring  unutterable  woe. 
The  Aztec  realm  no  bolder  spirit  knew. 
Nor — to  his  native  country — one  more  true. 
Such  was  the  leader  Cortez  had  to  brave. 
For  whom  no  terrors  had  a  bloody  grave, 
Whose  purpose  was  his  monarchy  to  save — 
By  force  a  throne,  that  tottered,  to  uphold. 
And  rival,  with  his  arms,  the  feats  of  old. 
Well  worthy  he,  the  sceptre,  was  to  wield  ; 
And  in  him  Mexico  herself  revealed. 


The  time  to  march  on  Mexico  had  come. 

And  through  the  camp  of  Cortez  rolled  the  drum. 

The  army  passed  him  quickly  in  review. 

And  in  the  van  his  old  campaigners,  true. 

To  these  he  said — "  Brave  soldiers  of  Castile, 

Trust  in  Jehovah,  and  your  polished  steel. 

We  go  to  fight  for  riches,  Cross,  and  Crown, 

Imperishable  glory,  and  renown  ; 

To  punish  rebels  to  the  realm  of  Spain, 

And  foes  who've  treated  Jesus  with  disdain  ; 

To  wipe  away  the  stain  of  our  retreat 

By  overwhelming  them  with  dire  defeat.; 

To  all  our  wrongs,  and  injuries,  avenge, 

And  show  how  terrible  is  our  revenge ; 

To  win  the  brightest  prizes  earth  can  give, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  235 

And  when  we  die  in  Paradise  to  live, 
For  on  our  work  the  eye  omnific  looks, 
And  whoso  fails  in  duty  it  rebukes  ! 
Go  then,  ye  conq'ring  heroes,  on  your  way. 
And  all  the  infidels  ye  capture  slay  !  " 
The  troops  with  acclamation  filled  the  air. 
And  answered  "  We  no  infidels  will  spare  ; 
The  enemies  of  Christ,  in  blood,  must  die. 
And  ne'er  again  from  Mexico  we'll  fly. 
We'll  conquer,  or  we'll  perish  as  we  fight, 
And  join  our  comrades  of  the  awful  night ! " 

Then  passed  the  allies,  like  them,  in  review, 

And  splendid  was  the  pageant  to  the  view. 

Battalions  with  banners  filled  the  plain, 

With  here,  and  there,  a  chieftain  with  his  train. 

With  surcoat  of  gay  feather-work,  and  plumes — 

Bright  as  the  brightest  floweret  that  blooms — 

High  weaving  o'er  his  richly  jewelled  casque. 

Which  served,  whene'er  he  chose  it,  as  a  mask, 

And  sandals  trimmed  with  precious  gems,  and  gold. 

The  scene  was  fascinating  to  behold. 

To  these  spoke  Cortez,  through  Marina,  thus : — 

"  We  fight  your  battles,  and  you  fight  wath  us  ; 

Fight  then  as  soldiers  worthy  of  renown, 

And  from  your  ancient  foeman  tear  his  crown  ; 

Fight  to  sustain  the  glory  you  have  won, 

And  like  a  tempest  o'er  your  valley  run  ; 

Let  none  my  banner  follow,  but  the  brave, 

Prepared  to  conquer,  or  to  find  a  grave, 

To  battle  with  me  till  the  work  is  done, 

Nor  for  a  moment  danger  ever  shun. 

Not  all  here  gathered  with  me  I  shall  take, 

But  those  I  leave  must  follow  to  the  Lake — * 

*  Lake  Tezcuco. 


236  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO, 

And  bring  the  brigantines — at  my  command  ; 
Then  ye  shall  shed  fresh  lustre  on  your  land, 
And  riches  reap,  amid  achievements  grand  !  " 

This  over,  Cortez  led  his  troops  away — 
'Mid  loud  huzzahs,  and  martial  music,  gay, 
With  banners  waving  all  along  the  line — 
A  spectacle  strange,  picturesque,  and  fine ; 
While  anxious  thousands  hung  upon  the  rear. 
To  take  a  parting  glance  at  kinsmen  dear, 
And  offer  words  of  comfort,  hope,  and  cheer,  ^ 
Imploring  gods  their  righteous  arms,  to  bless, 
And  lead  them  to  victorious  success. 

II. 

Three  routes  into  the  valley  open  lay. 

And  Cortez  wisely  chose  the  roughest  way. 

As  one  most  likely  to  be  guarded  least, 

Though  hard  he  found  the  road  for  man  and  beast. 

The  mountain  range  dividing  west  from  east — 

And  one  great  plateau  from  a  kindred  plain — 

The  army  traversed,  while  above  them  rose 

A  lofty  peak  that  wore  a  crown  of  snows.f 

The  winter  torrents  channels  deep  had  made. 

And  trees  had  been  across  their  pathway  laid. 

The  piercing  cold  contrasted  with  the  glow 

Which — semi-tropic — warmed  the  plain  below. 

And  thin  and  sombre  forests  of  the  pine 

Were  seen  instead  of  sycamore,  and  vine, 

*  Cortez  took  his  departure  from  Tlascala  for  Lake  Tezcuco 
on  the  26th  of  December — leaving  most  of  his  allies  behind, 
however,  to  await  his  orders  to  advance  with  the  brigantines. 
This  was  done  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  provisioning  so 
large  a  force. 

t  Iztaccihuatl,  or  "  The  White  Woman." 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  237 

While  overhead  voracious  vultures  flew.  * 

At  length  the  valley  burst  upon  their  view, 

Though  intervening  woods  and  hills  concealed, 

In  part,  the  splendors  further  on  revealed. 

As  down  the  bold  Sierra's  slope  they  passed — 

By  barricades  of  timber  still  harassed — 

The  climate,  and  the  vegetation  changed, 

And  beauty  met  the  sight  where'er  it  ranged. 

The  graceful  pepper-tree  refreshed  the  eye — 

With  berries  loaded,  of  a  crimson  dye — 

And  gaudy  creepers  climbed  the  sturdy  oak, 

While  mocking-birds  the  woodland  silence  broke. 

An  open  level  reached,  the  valley  lay 

Before  the  vision  in  its  bright  array. 

Bathed  in  the  golden  radiance  of  the  day. 

It  lay  embosomed  in  its  hills  that  rose 

As  sentinels,  to  guard  its  sweet  repose. 

And  like  a  jewelled  cluster  on  its  breast 

Tezcuco's  city  seemed  to  be  at  rest. 

To  some  the  prospect  seemed  a  tale  to  tell, 

Which,  like  a  knell,  upon  their  senses  fell. 

They  vividly  recalled  the  fatal  night 

When  carnage  followed  their  disastrous  flight ; 

But  admiration  kindled  in  their  gaze, 

And  moved  their  lips  to  utter  words  of  praise, 

As  they  beheld  the  splendor  of  the  scene. 

Magnificently  touched  with  gold,  and  green. 

"  To  victory,  or  death  'tis  now  we  go, 

Let  all  prepare  to  meet,  and  crush  the  foe  ! " 

Cried  Cortez  with  defiance  in  his  tone. 

And  that  resolve  each  soldier  made  his  own. 

'Twas  now  the  hill-tops  blazed  with  beacon  fires — 
To  telegraph  by  flame  instead  of  wires, — 

*  Flocks  of  the  Zopilote^  the  native  vulture,  or  buzzard. 


238  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  news  that  the  invading  host  had  come ; 
And  thundered  in  each  fane  the  warning  drum. 

At  ev'ry  turn  they  looked  for  some  surprise, 

And  searched  the  hills,  and  dales,    wiih  watchful 

eyes, 
But  only  dusky  multitudes  were  seen, 
From  time  to  time,  with  distance  great  between. 
That  night  the  Spaniards,  unmolested,  camped — 
With  hope  and  courage  on  their  features  stamped — 
Within  the  shadow  of  a  leafy  wood, 
And  but  three  leagues  from  where  Tezcuco  stood — 
A  noble  city  with  a  storied  name. 
And  second  to  the  capital  in  fame. 
Ere  he  attacked  the  great  metropolis. 
The  plan  of  Cortez  was  to  capture  this. 

III. 

The  morrow  dawned,  and  still  no  foe  appeared — 
The  hosts  that  all  night  long  the  army  feared — 
But  soon  ambassadors  with  flags  of  gold  * 
Approached  the  camp  their  mission  to  unfold. 
"We  come,"  said  they,  "your  mercy  to  implore  ! 
Our  city  spare,  and  plunge  us  not  in  gore ! 
Seek  shelter,  if  ye  will,  within  our  walls. 
But  needless  slaughter  save  us  ! — that  appalls. 
Our  Lord,  and  master — the  cazique — will  swear — 
In  his  own  palace  when  you  meet  him  there — 
Allegiance — as  a  vassal — to  the  Crown, 
And  to  your  arms  submissively  bow  down  ; 
Yet  we  would  till  to-morrow  pray  you  wait. 
For  he  would  meet  you  in  becoming  state." 
In  Cortez,  joy  was  equalled  by  surprise, 

*  The  flag  of  truce. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  239 

But  neither  he  betrayed  to  Aztec  eyes. 

His  feelings  he  dissembled,  and  replied, 

With  seeming  anger,  and  offended  pride — 

"  Where  lie  the  Spanish  soldiers  that  ye  slew — 

The  forty-five  who  put  their  trust  in  you  ? — 

And   where,  too,  are   the  spoils   ye   gleaned   from 

them? 
This  massacre,  and  plunder,  I  condemn. 
And  on  the  restitution  of  their  gold 
I  now  insist,  nor  dare  ye  that  withhold  !  "  * 

"  Nay,  blame  the  monarch,  and  not  us,"  they  cried, 

For  by  his  orders  'twas  the  soldiers  died, 

And  he  received  the  treasure  that  they  bore. 

The  sovereign  then  is  now,  alas !  no  more, 

But  his  successor  may  the  spoil  restore." 

Not  heeding  their  petition  to  delay. 

The  Spanish  chief  continued  on  his  way 

And  soon  into  the  ancient  city  rode, 

And  chose  a  palace  for  his  troops'  abode,  f 

'T  was  like  a  voiceless  city  of  the  dead, 

For  from  its  precincts —  overwhelmed  with  dread — 

The  people  had,  by  lake  and  mountain,  fled. 

And  with  them  Co-an-ac-o — the  cazique, 

On  whom  had  Cortez  vengeance  vowed  to  wreak. 

*'  A  barren  victory  is  this,"  cried  he  ; 

"  Pursue,  and  capture,  those  that  yonder  flee, 

And  see  if  the  cazique  among  them  be. 


*The  forty-five  Spaniards  referred  to  were  on  their  way 
from  Tlascala  to  the  city  of  Mexico  when  the  disastrous  re- 
treat took  place,  but  before  they  were  made  aware  of  that 
event  they  were  captured  in  the  Tezcucan  territory,  and  after- 
wards sacrificed  on  the  altars  of  the  metropolis.  Cuitlahua, 
the  successor  of  Montezuma,  was  then  on  the  imperial  throne. 

t  Cortez  at  the  head  of  his  army  entered  Tezcuco  on  the 
31st  of  December,  1520. 


240  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Those  envoys  sought  to  throw  me  off  my  guard, 

And,  by  a  day,  my  progress  to  retard. 

Through  promises  as  false  as  they  were  fair, 

And,  in  that  day,  to  strip  the  city  bare. 

And  refuge  seek  in  less  disordered  flight ; 

But  I  will  ere  there  comes  another  night 

Dethrone  the  hostile,  fugitive  cazique — 

Who  would  his  promises,  and  pledges,  break — 

And  on  another  place  the  vacant  crown, 

One  who  will  bow  obediently  down." 

So  from  the  few,  who  still  remained,  he  took 

A  youthful  noble,  with  a  comely  look — 

A  brother  of  the  chieftain  he  deposed — * 

In  whom  he — Cortez — confidence  reposed, 

And — when  baptized — he  placed  him  on  the  throne. 

And  cried,  "  Behold  !  the  Province  is  your  own. 

To  rule  for  Spain,  whose  vassal  you  are  now, 

No  more  to  Aztec  Emperors  to  bow  ! 

See  that  you  rule  it  well,  and  to  Castile 

In  all  humility,  and  friendship,  kneel !  " 

The  story  of  Te-co-col's  reign  is  brief. 
He  died — 't  is  said  he  fell  a  prey  to  grief — 
Ere  many  days  the  sceptre  he  had  swayed. 
And  with  his  fathers  in  the  tomb  was  laid. 
The  leader  of  his  arms — a  kinsman — next 
Assumed  the  crown,  and  with  its  cares  was  vexed. 
A  fast,  and  zealous  friend  he  then  became — 
Of  Cortez — and  won  military  fame — 
The  glory,  or  the  infamy,  of  deeds 
Whose  record  like  a  tale  of  horror  reads. 
He  more  than  all  the  chieftains  of  his  land. 


*  Tecocol  by  name.  He  reigned  only  a  few  months,  and 
was  succeeded  by  his  brother  Ixtlilxochitl,  the  general  of  his 
armies. 


THE  CONQ  UEST  OF  MEXICO.  241 

Against  his  country  raised  his  gory  hand, 

And  labored  harder  to  enslave  his  race, 

And  all  their  ancient  splendors  to  efface. 

In  Aztec  lore  who  else  appears  so  base, 

Or  merits  such — both  deep  and  foul — disgrace  ? 

But  in  the  Spanish  chronicles  his  name — * 

Aloof  from  condemnation,  blame,  or  shame — 

Is  spoken  with  Castilian  acclaim. 

He  played  the  hero  on  Invasion's  side, 

And  waded  deep  in  Conquest's  bloody  tide. 

IV. 

The  army  camped,  as  if  in  time  of  peace. 
And  from  the  battle's  turmoil  found  release. 
The  fugitives  by  slow  degrees  returned. 
When  of  the  city's  quietude  they  learned, 
And  of  the  proclamation  Cortez  made, 
That  he  would  all  who  came,  protect,  and  aid. 
These  the  defences  were  employed  to  build, 
Or  left  to  labor,  each  as  he  was  skilled. 
A  watchful  eye  on  the  cazique  was  kept. 
And  on  the  people  one  that  never  slept. 
A  deep  canal — to  float  the  brigantines — 
Was  dug  amid  the  busiest  of  scenes. 
For  half  a  league,  from  camp  to  lake,  it  ran, 
With  width  enough  two  brigantines  to  span. 
From  local  valley  chiefs,  around  them,  came — 
Moved  by  their  dread  of  the  invader's  name — 
Meek  offers  of  submission  to  the  foe, 
For  they  began  to  fear  a  sudden  blow. 
"  Before  my  Monarch,  then,  in  me,  bow  low," 
Said  Cortez  in  reply,  "  and  hither  send — 


*  Ixtlilxochitl,  brother  of  his  two  predecessors,  at  the  head 
of  the  territory  of  Tezcuco. 


242  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

If  ye  would  ne'er  his  Majesty  offend — 

All  fugitives  that  linger  in  your  land 

In  needless  dread  of  vengeance  at  my  hand, 

And  all  who  from  the  capital  are  there 

Or  yet  may  come.     Protection  these  shall  share." 

'T  was  done,  and  with  the  many  came  a  few 

Brave  Aztec  nobles,  to  their  country  true. 

To  these  spake  Cortez — "  To  your  monarch  go — 

To  him  who  holds  the  fate  of  Mexico — 

And  say  I,  bitterly,  the  war  regret. 

And  all  the  past  will  willingly  forget, 

If  he  will  yield,  submissively,  to  Spain, 

But,  otherwise,  the  plain  I'll  fill  with  slain  ! " 

The  offer  was  unanimously  spurned, 

And  Tenochtitlan  for  the  battle  yearned. 

United,  all  as  one,  the  city  stood. 

And  frowned  defiance  o'er  Tezcuco's  flood. 


"  My  plan,'*  said  Cortez,  to  his  men,  "  you  know- 
Is,  ere  I  march  on  haughty  Mexico, 
To  lay  all  other  cities  round  her  low, 
If  they  submission  to  the  Crown  refuse. 
And  thus  support  from  others  she  will  lose  ; 
And  fall  the  sooner  when  the  siege  begins. 
To  rise  no  more,  till  purged  of  all  her  sins. 
The  city  I  shall  first  in  force  attack — 
And  when  subdued,  with  satisfaction,  sack — 
Is  Iztapalapan  six  leagues  away. 
'T  was  once  our  lot  within  its  gates  to  stay — 
For  it  has  sworn  the  capital  to  aid. 
And  preparations  to  resist  us  made. 
A  week  since  we  Tezcuco  reached  has  passed 
In  peace  and  comfort,  but  this  cannot  last. 
We'll  march  to-morrow  at  the  break  of  day, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  243 

And  woe  to  those  who  meet  us  in  the  fray." 
So  Cortez  with  two  hundred  sons  of  Spain,* 
And  nigh  four  thousand  allies  in  their  train, 
Marched  forward  on  their  warlike  enterprise, 
With  courage,  and  defiance,  in  their  eyes. 
The  camp  was  left  in  Sandoval's  command 
With  this  injunction — "  Ever  ready  stand  !  " 

Along  the  lake,  by  towns,  and  hamlets,  bright, 

Beneath  the  morning  sun's  inspiring  light — 

Past  groves  of  cypress,  and  of  cedar-trees. 

And  gently  fanned  by  the  refreshing  breeze, 

The  army  marched  in  picturesque  array, 

While  Cortez,  and  Marina,  led  the  way. 

For  she  was  ever  with  him  in  the  van. 

Nor  feared  she  danger  more  than  any  man. 

Two  leagues  were  they  from  Iztapalapan, 

And,  in  the  distance,  from  the  waters  rose 

The  valley's  Queen,  t  in  grandeur,  and  repose, 

When  suddenly  an  army  on  them  sprang. 

While  loud,  and  wild,  their  war-cries  round  them 

rang. 
The  Aztec  forces  would  their  way  dispute. 
And  they  were  fiercely  brave,  and  resolute. 
And  fought  like  tigers  when  they,  wounded,  fly 
At  their  pursuers,  ere  they  sink  to  die. 
But  fury,  wild,  by  fury,  wild,  was  met. 
And  with  their  gore  the  reeking  plain  was  wet. 
The  native  allies  demon-like  attacked. 
And  by  the  Spanish  troops  were  boldly  backed. 
The  sight  of  these,  their  ancient  Aztec  foes. 
Made  terrible  their  passions,  and  their  blows, 

*  Two-hundred  infantry  and  eighteen   cavalry,  and  between 
three  and  four  thousand  Tlascalans, 
t  The  city  of  Mexico. 


244  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And,  in  disorder,  soon,  the  Aztecs  fled 
Ere  from  the  field  the}^  bore  away  their  dead. 
The  victors  forward  marched,  in  eager  chase, 
With  thirst  for  vengeance  written  in  each  face, 
Until  to  Iztapalapan  they  came, 
And  o'er  it  swept — like  the  destroying  flame 
Which  followed  in  their  devastated  track, 
Till  all  the  city  was,  with  ashes,  black. 
The  native  allies  plundered  ere  they  burned ; 
Then  fiercely  to  the  combat  they  returned. 
Nor  spared  they  either  sex,  or  any  age, 
But  slaughtered  all  in  wild,  satanic  rage. 
Men,  women,  children,  babes,  alike  were  slain 
Beneath  the  Christian  Cross  of  saintly  Spain.* 

Out  on  the  lake — along  the  shore  for  miles — 
Were  human  habitations  built  on  piles. 
To  which  the  people — seeking  refuge — flew. 
Like  bloodhounds,  then,  they  saw  the  foe  pursue, 
And  to  the  lake  the  battle  w^as  transferred. 
While  sounds  of  tumult  on  its  breast  were  heard. 
Up  to  their  waists,  and  girdles,  in  the  flood 
The  forces  fought,  and  dyed  it  with  their  blood. 
More  desperate  the  struggle,  now,  became. 
More  murderous  each  battling  soldier's  aim; 
But  all  in  vain  the  Aztecs  fought  their  foes ; 
They  fell,  defeated,  'neath  their  cruel  blows  : 
And  all,  too,  in  those  habitations  died. 
Though  they — defenceless  there — for  mercy  cried. 

Before  the  strife  was  o'er  the  shades  of  night 
O'erspread  the  scene.  But  still  a  lurid  light 
From  burning  buildings  brightened  lake,  and  sky, 

*  The  slain  on  the  Aztec  side  numbered  more  than  six 
thousand.  Cortez  tried  to  restrain  the  ferocity  of  the  Tlasca- 
lans  in  this  indiscriminate  slaughter,  but  failed. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  245 

And  added  horror  to  what  met  the  eye. 

Resistance  at  an  end — the  battle  o'er — 

The  victors  sated  with  their  victims'  gore — 

The  avaricious  troops  to  pillage  turned, 

And   stripped   of   wealth,   where    they   before  had 

burned. 
'T  was  while  they  plundered  that  a  cry  arose — 
"  The  dikes  are  broken,  and  the  water  flows  !  " 
And,  like  a  gale  which  through  a  forest  blows, 
There  near,  and  nearer,  came  a  rushing  sound 
Of  floods  that  washed,  and  rippled,  o'er  the  ground. 
And  stretched  as  far  as  eye  could  see  around. 
Then  deep,  and  deeper,  grew  the  bubbling  tide. 
And  men  who  erst  were  brave  stood  terrified.* 

The  inaudation  o'er  the  valley  spread. 

And  filled  the  army  with  appalling  dread. 

The  trumpet  called  them  to  their  leader's  side, 

And  then — "  All  follow  me  !  "  he  loudly  cried. 

With  booty  laden,  wading  deep  they  went. 

Alone,  now,  on  escape  their  efforts  bent, 

The  salt  floods  gaining  on  them  by  degrees. 

Oft  rising  to  their  waists,  and  sinking  to  their  knees. 

The  conflagration  threw  a  lurid  light 

Upon  the  waters  as  they  took  their  flight, 

But  faint,  and  fainter,  as  they  sped  it  grew. 

Till  all  around  them  was  of  ebon  hue. 

As  they  advanced,  in  strength  the  current  gained. 

And  ev'ry  nerve  was  desperately  strained. 


♦The  Aztecs  had  cut  through  the  mole  which  fenced  in  the 
great  basin  of  Lake  Tezcuco  in  order  to  inundate  the  city, 
and  that  portion  of  the  valley  in  which  it  was  situated,  and  de- 
stroy the  Spanish  army  by  drowning.  Iztapalapan  had  con- 
tained fifty  thousand  inhabitants,  and  was  built  on  the  narrow 
tongue  of  land  which  divided  the  waters  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake 
from  those  of  the  fresh. 


246  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

'T  was  hard  to  breast  the  flood,  but  Spanish  blood 

Its  whirHng  depths,  and  plunging  force  withstood, 

And  where  to  walk  they  failed,  they  boldly  swam 

Till  they  had  passed  beyond  the  broken  dam. 

But  many  of  the  allies  vainly  tried 

To  breast  that  loosened,  angry,  swelling  tide. 

And,  swept  aWay,  beneath  its  waters  died. 

All  lost  their  spoils,  preferring  life  to  gold  ; 

All  shivered  in  the  night  wind,  rude,  and  cold, 

And  found  it  hard  to  drag  their  weary  limbs. 

"  Disaster  such  as  this  our  glory  dims," 

Said  Cortez,  to  Marina,  as  he  rode, 

While  on  his  heart  he  bore  a  weighty  load ; — 

"  Our  powder  spoiled,  our  arms  and  trappings  wet, 

Our  allies  dwindled,  and  our  souls  afret ; 

Our  conquest  thus  by  vengeance  snatched  away, 

What  profits  it  our  triumph  w^on  to-day  ? 

Our  flight,  methinks,  through  floods  like  these,  will 

seem 
As  wondrous  as  the  marvels  of  a  dream." 
To  which  Marina  answered — "  Stand  prepared. 
He  never  won,  who  never  bravely  dared  ! 
'Tis  true,  Malinche,  that  the  struggle's  long. 
But  in  the  end  the'battle's  to  the  strong. 
I  would  this  carnage  had  been  spared  us  all — 
For  scenes  so  bloody,  horrify,  and  appall — 
Yet,  if  the  fate  of  Mexico  is  sealed, 
'T  were  well  't  were  quickly  to  her  sons  revealed." 

VI. 

The  lake  at  dawn  was  swarming  with  canoes, 
While  arrows  flew,  in  thousands,  from  their  crews. 
And  stones,  and  other  missiles,  thrown  from  slings. 
And  darts  that  coursed  the  air  with  feathered  wings, 
And  carried  with  them  cruel,  deadly  stings. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  247 

Troops  in  the  distance  fired  upon  their  ranks, 

Disquieting  the  Spanish  army's  flanks. 
But  Cortez  had  no  spirit  for  attack: 
Tezcuco  wooed  him,  like  a  siren,  back. 
And  ere,  by  night,  the  land  again  was  veiled, 
He,  by  his  comrades,  in  the  camp  was  hailed. 

Alas  !  for  Iztapalapan  ; — its  fate 
In  Aztec  breasts  aroused  still  deeper  hate. 
While  terror  through  the  valley,  wide,  it  spread, 
Till  even  hatred  was  o'ercome  by  dread. 
Though  cursing  their  invaders,  envoys  came — 
From  towns,  and  cities,  great  in  wealth  and  fame — 
Submission  to  the  white  men  to  proclaim. 
And,  as  their  vassals,  their  protection,  claim. 
The  Aztec  rule  had  long  oppressed  them  all, 
And  they  might  thus,  perchance,  escape  its  thrall. 
From  loyalty  they — disaffected — swerved. 
And   those   they   should  have   fought   they  basely 

served. 
The  ancient  city  Chalco  *  was  of  those 
Who  thus  surrendered  to  their  country's  foes, 
While  still  an  Aztec  garrison  was  there. 
"To  Chalco  you,  then,  Sandoval,  repair; 
The  garrison  destroy,  and  all  who  dare 
Your  forces  to  defy ;  and  in  the  name 
Of  Cross,  and  Crown,  our  government  proclaim," 
Said  Cortez  to  his  comrade,  and  he  went 
On  conquest  of  the  city  sternly  bent; 
But  ere  he  reached  it  legions  blocked  his  way, 
And  nigh  his  army  perished  in  the  fray  ; 
But  finally  he  routed  all  his  foes, 
And  found  in  Chalco  welcome  and  repose  : 
Then,  with  two  nobles,  to  the  camp  returned, 

*  It  ^as  built  on  the  eastern  extremity  of  Lake  Chalco. 


248  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  from  their  lips  the  simple  story  learned 

That  the  cazique — their  father — ere  he  died, 

Had  bidden  them  espouse  the  Spanish  side, 

For  oracles  had  prophesied  of  old 

That   from    the  East  strange    beings — strong,   and 

bold — 
Would  some  day  take  possession  of  the  land, 
Whose  prowess  Mexico  could  ne'er  withstand, 
And  woe  to  those  who  battle  gave  to  these 
Pale-faced  invaders  from  the  Eastern  Seas ! 

VII. 

Though,  to  the  foe,  allegiance  had  been  vowed, 
Not  always,  to  the  yoke,  the  people  bowed. 
With  watchful  eyes  the  Aztec  armies  saw. 
One  after  one,  the  cities  round  withdraw 
From  Aztec  rule — the  empire's  ancient  sway, 
And,  when  the  Spanish  troops  had  moved  away. 
They   swept — like  hawks,  when  pouncing  on  tlieir 

prey— 
Upon  those  hapless  cities,  to  avenge 
Disloyalty,  and  revel  in  revenge. 
Then  for  protection  these  to  Cortez  cried, 
Who  to  their  succor  with  his  forces  hied. 
Between  contending  armies  thus  they  lay 
In  danger  of  re-capture,  day  by  day. 
For  Cortez  could  no  garrisons  bestow. 
To  bid  defiance  to  the  Aztec  foe. 
His      troops     so     scanty,     scattered,     could      but 

yield 
Whene'er  they  met  an  army  in  the  field. 
Yet  concentrated  they  could  well  withstand 
Whatever  force  they  met  in  all  the  land  ; 
Still,  to  retain  the  cities  he  had  gained, 
He  nerve,  and  muscle,  and  resources  strained. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  249 

At  length  from  parts  beyond  the  valley  came 
Some  messengers  from  chiefs  with  friendly  aim, 
Who  saw  upon  the  mountains  beacon  fires, 
Which  kindled  in  their  breasts — for  war — desires — 
Just  as  the  sight  of  blood,  to  beasts  of  prey, 
Inflames  their  passions  till  they  spring  to  slay — 
And  these,  fresh  troops  would  o'er  the  mountains 

send, 
The  cause  of  the  invaders  to  defend. 

"  No  more  of  fighting  allies  I  require," 

Said  Cortez  in  reply,  "  but  I  desire 

A  garrison  each  city  to  protect ; 

And  if  to  furnish  these  your  chiefs  elect 

Across  the  mountains  let  them  hither  come. 

And  I  will  welcome  them  with  fife,  and  drum ! " 

"  Alas  !  but  we  abhor  these  valley  tribes. 

Nor  could  we  tolerate  their  jeering  jibes,'* 

The  messengers  responded  with  a  sigh, 

A  look  of  anger,  and  a  flashing  eye  : 

"  Beneath  the  Aztec  banner  they  have  fought. 

And  havoc  in  our  ranks  of  old  have  wrought. 

For  we  were  to  the  empire,  ever,  foes. 

And  so  received,  and  then  returned,  its  blows !  '* 

On  Cortez,  then,  a  bright  idea  flashed. 

His  allies  with  his  allies,  even,  clashed. 

So  much  divided  was  this  fated  land. 

Against  itself — could  such  a  nation  stand  ? — 

To  reconcile,  and  fuse  them,  he  resolved. 

And  in  his  mind  the  plan  he  well  revolved. 

To  all  beneath  his  flag  he  said,  "  Behold  ! 

Together  banded  ye  are  strong  and  bold ! 

Let  not  divisions,  then,  your  strength  impair. 

But  with  each  other  wisely  learn  to  bear. 

Forget  your  ancient  wrongs  in  brotherhood. 

For  ye  are  all — remember  ! — one  in  blood, 


250  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  vassals  of  one  monarchy  ye  stand ! 

Unite  then,  heart  to  heart,  and  hand  in  hand, 

To  sweep  the  tyrant  from  your  native  land ! " 

They  listened,  pondered,  finally  embraced. 

And  ancient  hatred,  Cortez  saw  effaced. 

United  allies,  and  divided  foes — 

Behold  the  Empire  in  its  dying  throes  ! 

Who    knows    that    Cortez    would    have    conquest 

wrought, 
If  these  had  not — in  concert — bravely  fought  ? 
More  mighty  than  the  Spanish  arms  were  they 
In  paving,  to  victorious  ends,  the  way. 
In  unity  they  battled  for  the  flag, 
Which   in    the   dust   both    friend    and    foe    would 

drag. 
And  crush  beneath  one  juggernaut  the  two — 
Those  to  their  country  false — those  to  it  true. 

VIII. 

Again  sent  Cortez,  to  the  Aztec  crown, 

Some  envoys  he  had  captured,  of  renown. 

To  whom  he  said — "  Go  Quahtemozin  tell 

That  all  with  Mexico  will  yet  be  well, 

If  he  to  his  allegiance  will  return. 

Nor  longer  dare  the  olive  branch  to  spurn. 

If  he  this  proffered  peace  should,  now,  embrace, 

He  still  shall  be  the  ruler  of  his  race. 

And  all  beneath  his  sceptre  shall  once  more 

Be  free,  and  happy,  as  in  days  of  yore !  " 

To  this  the  monarch,  proud,  no  answer  gave, 

For  he  was  dauntless,  resolute,  and  brave. 

He,  still,  to  death  put  all  his  captured  foes. 

And  struck,  where'er  he  could,  aggressive  blows, 

Against  defections  keenly  sought  to  guard, 

And  to  preserve  his  Empire  struggled  hard. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  251 

To  him  SURRENDER  was  a  word  unknown. 
While  life  remained  he'd  battle  for  his  throne. 

IX. 

'Twas  now  to  Sandoval  that  Cortez  turned, 

For  he,  in  him,  rare  virtues  had  discerned. 

"  The  brigan lines  are  ready.     Go  I  "  he  said, 

"  And  bring  them  hither  from  the  Land  of  Bread. 

Two  hundred  foot,  and  fifteen  horsemen  take. 

And  on  your  way  a  dread  example  make 

Of  those  who  slew  our  comrades — forty-five — 

And  of  the  rest  who  with  them  dared  connive  !  "  * 

In  Zoltepec — a  small  Tezcuco  town — 

The  soldiers  had,  ere  this,  been  stricken  down, 

And  there  some  relics  of  the  slain  were  found, — 

A  temple's  walls — as  trophies — hung  around  ; 

But  ere  the  troops  approached  the  people  fled — 

And  little  blood  upon  the  field  was  shed, 

Though  wheresoe'er  they  captured  fleeing  braves, 

They  tortured,  and  then  branded  them  as  slaves. 

Then  to  the  fair  republic  they  advanced. 

And  scarce  within  it  had  their  chargers  pranced, 

When  lo !  they  saw  an  army's  banners  rise 

Among  the  mountains,  to  their  great  surprise. 

And  this  was  turned  to  joy  when,  soon,  it  neared, 

And  in  its  midst  the  brigantines  appeared. 

Yes,'t  was  the  allies'  army  that  deployed 

Before  their  vision,  and  the  fleet  convoyed. 

*'  But  twenty  thousand  of  the  host  I  need. 

With  me,  to  Lake  Tezcuco  to  proceed," 

Said  Sandoval,  "save  those  who  burdens  bear; 

The  rest  may  to  their  camp  again  repair." 


*  These  were  the  forty-five  Spaniards,  before  referred  to  as 
having  been  massacred  in  the  territory  of  Tezcuco. 


252  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

This  clone,  with  slow  and  painful  steps,  they  toiled 

Up  the  ascent,  and  through  the  glens  defiled, 

And  worked  their  way  o'er  eminences,  steep, 

And  waded  mountain  torrents,  wild  and  deep ; 

Then,  scarce  molested,  trod  the  valley  slope — 

Elated  with  their  enterprise,  and  hope — 

Marched  to  the  sound  of  atabel,  and  flute. 

And  to  the  horn's  wild,  melancholy  toot. 

And  reached  the  camp,  in  safety,  with  the  fleet. 

Thus  was  achieved  a  memorable  feat 

Nigh  unexampled  ere  Balboa  tried 

To  so  transport  to  the  Pacific's  tide 

Four  brigantines  o'er  twenty  leagues  of  land. 

Of  which  but  two  e'er  reached  the  ocean  strand.* 

The  convoy  was  with  acclamations  hailed. 

And  with  the  best  Tezcuco  gave  regaled. 

"  Long  live  Castile,  and  Tlascala  !  "  they  cried. 

And  in  their  gladness  with  their  comrades  vied. 

Long  would  have  Mexico  t  its  foes  defied, 

If  ne'er  the  fleet  had  kissed  its  waters,  wide  ; 

Nor  might  it  e'er  have  yielded  where  it  stood, 

Surrounded  by  the  deep,  protecting  flood. 


*  Vasco  Nunez  de  Balboa,  the  discoverer  of  the  Pacific,  tried 
the  experiment  referred  to  in  1516,  across  the  Isthmus  of  Da- 
rien,  and  this  may  have  suggested  a  like  effort  to  Cortez.  A 
similar  transportation  for  a  short  distance,  had  previously 
taken  place,  on  two  occasions,  at  Tarentum  in  Italy,  once 
under  Hannibal  and  again  under  Gonsalvo  Ue  Cordova. 

t  The  city  of  Mexico. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO,  253 

PART  NINTH. 


The  allies  were  athirst  for  Aztec  blood, 
And  Cortez  deemed  the  time  for  battle  good. 
To  reconnoitre  Mexico  he  planned, 
And,  on  the  way,  spread  terror  through  the  land 
By  scourging  the  most  active  of  his  foes, 
Who  took  delight  in  breaking  his  repose. 
His  host  of  swarthy  children  of  the  soil — 
Brave  war-worn  Tlascalans,  inured  to  toil. 
Who,  after  blood,  were  eager  most  for  spoil — 
And  fifty,  and  three  hundred  sons  of  Spain — 
The  rest  fn  camp  were  ordered  to  remain  * — 
The  Spanish  leader  boldly  forward  led, 
With  banners  waving — yellow,  blue  and  red. 
'T  was  early  spring,  but  balmy  and  serene,  f 
And  all  the  valley  looked  superbly  green, 
Save  where  the  lakes  were  rippling  in  the  sun, 
Or  cities  rose — white,  massive,  gray,  and  dun. 
Behold  a  skirmish  ere  they'd  journeyed  far  ! 
An  Aztec  force  strove  hard  their  way  to  bar, 
But  overwhelmed,  at  last,  it — routed — fled, 
And  on  his  course,  in  triumph,  Cortez  sped, 
With  Alvarado,  and  with  Olid  there. 
The  glory  of  the  enterprise  to  share. 
To  Xaltocan  at  length  the  army  came — 
A  town,  and  lake,  identical  in  name — 
The  one  within  the  other's  calm  embrace. 
With  causeways  stretching  o'er  the  wat'ry  space- 
A  Mexico  in  miniature  that  shone 


*  Under  the  command  of  Sandoval, 
t  In  the  year  1521. 


254  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

In  beauty  with  a  lustre  all  its  own.* 

A  scene  so  picturesque,  and  fair,  and  bright 

But  rarely  in  the  valley  met  the  sight. 

Along  the  nearest  causeway  rushed  the  troops, 

When  swiftly,  as  on  prey  an  eagle  swoops. 

There  swept  upon  them  o'er  the  rippling  lake — 

In  war  canoes  that  left  a  foaming  wake — 

A  mighty  host  of  warriors  fully  armed. 

The  sudden  movement  those  attacked  alarmed, 

And  faster  forward  hurried  on  the  van 

Till  o'er  the  causeway  the  invaders  ran. 

While  on  each  side  stones,  darts,  and  arrows  flew. 

Death — to  the  allies — freighted  each  canoe. 

Alarm  to  consternation  quickly  grew. 

When  to  a  chasm  in  the  dike  they  came. 

The  Aztec  war-cries  swelled  into  acclaim, 

And  the  canoes'-men  took  defiant  aim. 

The  trumpet  gave  the  signal  to  retreat 

Amid  fresh  volleys  from  the  countless  fleet. 

And  backward  rolled  the  baffled,  living  tide, 

Which  to  disaster  thus  had  been  decoyed. 

Just  then  to  save  his  life,  a  traitor  cried — 

"  The  army  may,  in  safety,  ford  the  lake. 

If  only  it  will  follow  in  my  wake  !  " 

'T  was  done,  though  war-canoes  their  missiles  threw. 

And  hundreds  of  the  swarthy  allies  slew. 

But  when  the  troops  the  fated  city  gained 

The  streets  were  with  revolting  carnage  stained. 

Revenge — how  sweet ! — was  gratified  in  blood, 

And  all  who  could  sought  refuge  on  the  flood. 

Those  failing  to  escape,  were  foully  slain, 

And  Terror  was  triumphant  in  her  reign. 

Then  fell  the  place  to  pillage,  rude,  a  prey. 


*The  town  was  situated  on  the  northern  extremity  of  the 
lake,  which  is  now  called  San  Christobal. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  255 

The  victors,  with  them,  bore  its  wealth  away, 
And  left  the  flames  their  havoc  to  complete. 
The  Azetcs  mourned  again  their  sore  defeat. 

II. 

On  to  the  northward  still,  the  army  sped, 

And  filled  the  valley,  far  and  wide,  with  dread; 

Three  towns — deserted — on  their  way  they  sacked,* 

And  in  the  fields  at  night-fall  bivouacked, 

While  on  the  hill-tops  blazed  the  beacon  lights — 

The  fires  that  gilded,  with  their  glow,  the  heights — 

And  far  away,  like  shadows  on  the  scene. 

Dark  masses  of  the  Mexicans  were  seen. 

The  fairest  regions  of  the  Empire  lay 

Around  them,  as  they  journeyed  on  their  way. 

Old  cities,  and  quaint  villages,  were  strewn — 

How  beautiful  they  looked  beneath  the  moon ! — 

O'er  hill,  and  valley,  set  in  frames  of  bloom — 

Gay  gardens  which  exhaled  a  rich  perfume. 

And  in  the  centre  of  the  valley  rose — 

As  if  invulnerable  to  her  foes — 

The  grand  Metropolis  of  Mexico, 

Still  mighty,  and  majestic  in  her  woe. 

Her  pyramids,  and  temples  soaring  high,     • 

As  if  to  catch  effulgence  from  the  sky. 

In  front  Tacubat  stood,  through  which  they  passed, 

When  from  the  fatal  dike  they  hurried  fast, 

And  to  the  eastward  that  dark  causeway  ran — 

Uniting  shore,  and  city,  in  its  span. 

Across  the  lake's  calm  waters,  bright,  and  clear — 

The  sight  of  which  from  Cortez  drew  a  tear. 

♦These  were  named  respectively  Tenajoccan,  Quauhtitlan, 
and  Azcapozalco. 

t  The  ancient  city  of  Tacuba. 


256  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

"  Behold  Tacuba  !  there  an  army  lies 

To  guard  against  invasion,  and  surprise, 

But  we  must  to  defeat  those  arms  consign, 

And  make  Tacuba  bow  before  our  shrine  !  " 

Thus  to  his  troops  the  Spanish  leader  cried, 

To  which  with  acclamation,  they  replied. 

And  dashing  forward  routed  all  the  host — 

Tacuba's  martial  chivalry,  and  boast — 

The  cavalry  pursuing  as  they  fled, 

Until  the  suburbs  with  their  blood  were  red. 

Yet,  undefeated,  on  the  morrow's  dawn 

They  stood  again  in  battle  order  drawn 

Before  the  city,  on  the  open  field. 

"Attack,"  cried  Cortez,  "and  no  quarter  yield  !  " 

And  cavalry  and  infantry  advanced. 

'T  was   not   the    plain    that  shivered,    heaved,  and 

danced. 
But  that  vast  multitude  contending  there. 
Whose  clamor  floated  wildly  on  the  air. 
The  muskets  rattled,  and  the  lances  gleamed  ; 
The  rising  sun  upon  the  turmoil  beamed  ; 
The  feathered  arrows  from  each  army  flew. 
At  times  obscuring,  here  and  there,  the  view ; 
Stones,  darts,  and  other  missiles,  too,  were  flung. 
Which   from    their     victims   groans,    and    anguish 

wrung, 
And  swords  once  flashing,  but  now  wet  with  gore, 
Through  breasts  courageous,  pitilessly  tore, 
While  '•^  Adelante  r^  sounded  o'er  the  roar, 
And  "  Christo  /  Santiago  /  "  o'er  and  o'er. 
The  Spanish  arms  triumphant  were  once  more : 
The  Aztec  army  in  disorder  fled, 
And  Cortez  in  pursuit  his  forces  led. 
Till  through  Tacuba's  streets  the  flying  foe 
Escaped  with  shrill,  and  dismal  cries  of  woe. 
The  population,  then,  in  wild  affright — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  257 

Astounded  by  the  issue  of  the  fight — 

Rushed  from  the  city,  fearful  of  their  fate. 

To  pillage,  swift,  Tacuba  fell  a  prey, 

And  havoc  followed  the  destroying  fray. 

Still  later,  tongues  of  fire  the  story  told — 

While  clouds  of  smoke  above  them,  densely,  rolled — 

How  flames  had  laid  Tacuba's  glory  waste. 

Revenge  was  sweet  to  ev'ry  victor's  taste.* 

III. 

Behold,  Tacuba's  ancient  palace  walls 

Gave  echo  to  the  loud  invader's  call, 

And  round  them  the  invading  army  lay, 

Prepared,  and  watchful,  for  a  sudden  fray. 

Days  passed,!  but  not  in  peace,  for  ev'ry  day, 

Tacuba's  forces  battled  for  the  Right 

Against  the  legions  armed  alone  with  Might, 

And  though  beneath  the  scourge  the  victors  quailed. 

Yet  they  each  eve  another  triumph  hailed. 

Once  by  disaster  nigh  o'erwhelmed  were  they 

When  they  designed  a  multitude  to  slay. 

The  Aztec  army  down  the  causeway  fled — 

The  fatal  dike  on  which  so  many  bled — 

And  in  pursuit  the  Spanish  forces  dashed, 

When  magic-like  upon  the  view  there  flashed — 

For  far  behind  them  they  had  left  the  shore — 

A  mighty  swarm  of  boats  which  downward  bore, 

Amid  a  stormy,  fierce,  and  swelling  roar, 

While  the  retreating  army  turned  to  fight, 

And  in  the  rear  fresh  thousands  came  in  sight. 

*  The  Tlascalans  were  responsible  for  the  conflagration,  the 
Spaniards  having  done,  with  partial  success,  all  that  they 
could  to  stop  it. 

t  The  Spanish  army  remained  six  days  at  Tacuba  before  it 
began  its  return  march  to  Tezcuco,  as  originally  intended. 


258  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

In  front,  and  rear,  and  on  each  side  attacked. 
The  Spanish  leader  cried — "  I  caution  lacked 
To  be  thus  here  decoyed,  but  let  us  fly 
Back  to  the  shore,  and  bravely  all  defy  !  " 
And  so  along  the  causeway  they  defiled. 
While  round  them  raged  a  tempest  loud  and  wild. 
Hard  was  the  battle  which  they  bravely  fought — 
And  with  sore  havoc  to  their  ranks  't  was  fraught — 
As  toward  the  land  they  struggled  in  retreat, 
Assailed  with  pikes,  and  missiles  from  the  fleet, 
And  captured  Spanish  swords,  to  lances  lashed. 
Which  oft  their  columns  hideously  gashed. 
While,    through   the    air,  stones,    darts  and  arrows 

flew; 
And  as  the  fray  progressed  it  hotter  grew. 
But  ere  the  end  the  troops  regained  the  land, 
And  made  against  their  foes  a  gallant  stand. 
Where,  routing  them,  they  all  to  camp  returned, 
And  found  the  needed  rest  for  which  they  yearned. 
" '  T  was  by  a  miracle  that  we  were  saved, 
And  wonderful  how  well  the  troops  behaved," 
Said  Cortez  to  his  comrades.     Then  they  knelt, 
And  uttered  thanks,  which  all  devoutly  felt. 
For  that — escape — which  Providential  seemed, 
And  so  't  was  by  the  Spanish  soldiers  deemed, 
For  each  believed  his  mission  nigh  divine. 
And  all  his  foeman's  punishment  condign. 

IV. 

Six  days  had  Cortez  in  Tacuba  been. 

And  vainly  sought  from  war  the  foe  to  wean —  . 

For  with  defiance  they  his  parleys  met. 

And  he  beheld  the  prospect  with  regret 

When  back  he  to  his  camp  the  march  began, 
His  martial  figure,  leading,  in  the  van. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  259 

The  Aztecs  wrongly  judged  that  this  was  flight, 
And  in  pursuit  they  followed,  day,  and  night. 
Till  by  strategic  snares, at  length,  decoyed 
They  found  their  forces  routed,  or  destroyed. 
The  horsemen  dashed  from  out  their  ambuscade. 
And  on  them  made  a  fierce,  and  deadly  raid. 
While  swiftly  wheeled  the  infantry  around. 
And  charged  with  fury  that  nigh  shook  the  ground. 
Thus  panic-struck  across  the  plain  they  fled, 
And  left  behind  their  wounded,  and  their  dead. 
The  cavalry  in  hot  pursuit  for  miles. 
"  How  strange,"   they  mourned,  "  are  the  invaders' 

wiles  ! " 
At  length  Tezcuco,  and  their  camp,  appeared, 
And  by  their  comrades  they  were  loudly  cheered. 
Since  they  the  march  began,  two  weeks  had  flown. 
And,    of    their    progress,    naught    the    while    was 

known 
To  those  who  thus  in  garrison  remained — 
And  health,  and  strength,  by  idleness  regained  ; — 
So  eagerly  they,  now,  the  tidings  sought, 
And  heard,  with  flashing  eyes,  of  battles  fought. 
And  gazed  upon  the  golden  spoils  they  brought. 


The  tireless  Aztecs  Chalco,  now,  assailed,  * 
And  those  within  its  walls  their  fate  bewailed, 
And  sent  to  Cortez  to  implore  his  aid, 
For  of  the  empire  they  were  sore  afraid. 
So  with  three  hundred  Spanish  soldiers,  brave. 
And  twenty  horsemen,  with  their  trappings,  gay — 
As  glad  to  fight  as  they  were  prone  to  pray — 
Marched  Sandoval  to  save.     He  battle  gave 

*  Within  three  days  of   the  return  of  Cortez  to  Tezcuco. 
Pronounce  Tez-suko. 


26o  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO, 

To  all  the  Aztecs  round  the  city  massed, 

And  routed,  and  defeated,  them,  at  last, 

Then  climbed  the  mountains  from  the  plain  below, 

And  laid  their  strongholds  in  that  region  low.  * 

A  fortress  rose  upon  a  rocky  height. 

"  A  bird  alone  can  reach  it  in  its  flight !  '* 

The  native  allies,  as  they  faced  it,  cried, 

But  Sandoval,  as  he  the  summit  eyed. 

Exclaimed — "  I  naught  impossible  believe  ! 

What  cannot,  here,  a  son  of  Spain  achieve  ?  " 

And — from  his  steed  dismounting — forward  sprang. 

While  from  his  lips  the  cry — "  Saint  Jago  !  "  rang. 

On  up  the  steep  ascent  he  led  the  way. 

Amid  a  storm  of  missiles,  dense  as  spray. 

And  falling  rocks,  that  leapt  from  crag  to  crag — 

As  bounds  when  hunted,  to  its  death,  the  stag — 

Nor  for  a  moment  did  his  courage  flag  ; 

And  lo !  at  length  the  fortress  walls  he  scaled. 

And,  with  his  comrades,  those  within  assailed  ! 

The  struggle,  then,  was  short,  but  desperate — 

Each  side  impelled  by  fury,  and  by  hate — 

And  few  escaped  of  all  the  Aztecs  there. 

The  lion  had  been  bearded  in  his  lair. 

Some  headlong  o'er  the  battlements  were  thrown ; 

Some  leapt  the  precipice  with  dying  groan. 

But  by  the  sword  the  multitude  were  slain, 

And  blood  in  currents  vi^andered  to  the  plain. 

Then  to  his  camp  brave  Sandoval  went  back, 

*  These  were  two  towns;  one  called  Huaxtepec — surrounded 
by  extensive  gardens  like  those  of  Iztapalapan — lying  five 
leagues  to  the  south  of  Chalco,  among  the  mountains;  and 
Jacapichtla,  which,  fortress-like,  was  perched  on  a  rocky  emi- 
nence, almost  inaccessible,  about  twelve  miles  to  the  east- 
ward of  the  place  first  mentioned. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  261 

Believing  Chalco  safe  from  fresh  attack, 

And  by  fatigue,  and  angry  wounds  oppressed. 

He,  in  Tezcuco,  sought  again  for  rest, 

But  ere  he  gained  the  needed  boon,  behold  ! 

New  envoys  came,  and  warlike  stories  told. 

The  Emperor  of  Mexico — the  bold — 

Had  watched  the  troops  of  Sandoval  retreat, 

And  then  across  the  lake  dispatched  a  fleet — 

Two  thousand  boats,  and  twenty  thousand  men — 

With  orders  Chalco  to  besiege  again. 

"  Return,"  cried  Cortez,  "  and  your  work  complete  ! 

Show  them — our  foes — how  bitter  is  defeat !  " 

In  silence  Sandoval,  chagrined,  obeyed. 

And  plans  for  dire  destruction  quickly  laid ; 

Then  triumph  won,  by  wading  deep  in  gore. 

And  to  the  camp — a  victor  came  once  more. 

Then  Cortez  to  his  comrade — "  Welcome  !  "  cried, 

"  Thy  deeds  of  valor  are  the  army's  pride ; 

No  braver  spirit  do  I  know  than  thine. 

And  in  our  annals  't  will  be  thine  to  shine ! 

'T  was  not  in  anger  that  I  bade  thee  go 

Again  to  Chalco,  there  to  face  the  foe. 

Nor  in  reproof,  though  so  't  was  felt  by  thee, 

But  to  behold  thee  gain  this  victory  1  "* 

VI. 

The  while  the  brigantines  from  pieces  grew 
To  shapely  vessels,  each  one  stanch,  and  true, 

♦Cortez  had  been  displeased  in  the  first  instance  with 
Sandoval's  return  while,  as  he  then  believed,  Chalco  was  in 
an  unsettled  state,  and  Sandoval  felt  injured  by  being  sum- 
marily ordered  back,  but  when  Cortez  became  familiar  with 
the  facts,  he  saw  that  he  had  done  him  an  injustice,  and 
freely  acknowledged  it  and  warmly  greeted  him  when  they 
next  met. 


262  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  thrice  the  Aztecs  to  destroy  them  tried 

Ere  they  were  launched  upon  Tezcuco's  tide — 

For  they  in  these  but  evil  could  discern — 

Yet  failed  each  time  to  capture,  or  to  burn. 

From  points  remote,  by  mountain,  sea,  and  plain, 

Fresh  embassies  had  come  to  bow  to  Spain, 

And  from  her  sons  protecting  aid  to  gain, 

Tezcuco's  lord  advising  them  to  this 

As  certain  to  eventuate  in  bliss. 

Three  ships,  too,  into  Vera  Cruz  had  steered — 

A  welcome  sight 't  was  when  they  there  appeared  ! — 

With  ammunition,  arms,  two  hundred  men, 

And  much  beside,  the  army  sighed  for  then. 

Not  least  of  all  were  eighty  mettled  steeds. 

That  well  supplied  the  straitened  army's  needs  : 

And  Papal  bulls  a  holy  friar  brought, 

Which  those  w4io  sought  indulgence  gladly  bought.* 

The  new  recruits  in  camp  were  loudly  hailed. 

And  well,  with  all  that  Cortez  had,  regaled. 

Thus  Fortune  smiled  upon  the  Spaniard's  arms, 

While  Ceres  lavished  at  his  feet  her  charms.t 

VII. 

Again  was  Chalco  threatened  by  the  foe, 

And  Cortez,  now,  himself,  would  strike  the  blow. 

So  with  three  hundred  Spanish  infantry. 

And  thirty  of  his  well-tried  cavalry. 

With  hosts  of  native  allies  in  the  rear. 


*  Whether  or  not  these  vessels  were  part  of  the  expedition 
sent  by  Cortez  to  Hispaniola,  for  supplies,  and  recruits,  is 
unknown. 

t  Cortez  had  harvested  in  the  granaries  of  Tezcuco  large 
quantities  of  ripe  maize,  and  other  agricultural  products, 
found  growing  in  the  vicinity  of  Lake  Tezcuco. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  263 

He  marched  on  Chalco,  with  an  eye  severe.* 

There  through  Jeronimo,  Maruia  too — 

Both  to  his  cause,  through  varied  fortunes,  true — 

He  with  the  friendly  chiefs  held  interview, 

And  told  them  he  would  soon  require  their  aid 

In  giving  force  to  Mexico's  blockade. 

"  Have  all  your  levies  ready  when  I  call. 

And  those  now  fighting  into  line  may  fall ! " 

To  which  they  made  affirmative  reply, 

And  cried — "  For  Spain,  and  Cortez,  we  will  die  !  " 

While  those  already  in  the  field  obeyed. 

And  with  his  own,  their  legions  stood  arrayed, 

Until  a  larger  host  than  e'er  before 

Their  arms,  beneath  the  Spanish  banner,  bore. 

Then  south,  to  where  the  wild  Sierra  rose, 

In  majesty  he  moved  to  face  his  foes. 

And  into  its  recesses  boldly  rode, 

As  if  he  knew,  to  great  success,  the  road. 

The  giant  peaks — a  fence  of  bristling  arms — 

Aspired  to  guard  the  lovely  valley's  charms. 

While  in  the  shelter  of  their  wild  embrace 

Green  meadows  lay,  with  bloom  upon  their  face. 

As  through  its  gorges,  deep,  the  army  passed. 

The  foe  its  progress,  here  and  there,  harassed. 

From  lofty  heights,   where  towns    seemed  perched 

in  air. 
There  thundered  down — from  rocky  stair  to  stair — 
Huge  boulders  on  the  heads  of  those  below, 
While  arrows  rained  upon  them,  woe  on  woe. 
At  length,  by  losses  stung,  cried  Cortez — "  Halt ! 
Scale  yonder  cliff,  and  carry  by  assault !  " 

*The  march  was  begun  by  Cortez  on  the  5th  of  April,  1521, 
with  the  determination  to  scour  the  country  to  the  south  as 
effectually  as  he  had  already  done  that  to  the  west.  This 
was  a  second  reconnoitring  expedition,  and  Sandoval  was 
meanwhile  left  in  command  of  the  camp  at  Tezcuco. 


264  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  storming  party  clambered  up  the  height — 
The  army  resting  on  its  arms,  in  sight — 
But  thicker  came  the  arrows,  rocks,  and  stones, 
And  in  the  mountain  pass  were  heard  their  groans. 
Of  what  avail  were  helmet,  or  cuirass. 
Or  panoply  of  steel,  or  shield  of  brass. 
Against  this  torrent  from  the  mountain's  brow? 
'T  were  vain  to  strive,  their  way  to  further  plough, 
When  man  and  Nature  thus  opposed  their  course. 
Such  missiles  overwhelmed  their  feeble  force. 
Already  of  their  number  eight  were  killed — 
Men  deeply  in  the  ways  of  warfare  skilled — 
And  all  the  rest  were  wounded.     Cortez  saw 
The    task    was    hopeless,   and   exclaimed — "With- 
draw !  " 
The  order  to  retreat  was  nigh  too  late 
To  save  the  army  from  a  tragic  fate. 
For  marching  fast  across  the  valley  came 
Another  army,  hostile  in  its  aim. 
The  broken  files  were  quickly  drawn  in  line. 
And  Cortez  turned  to  thwart  the  foe's  design. 
Not  waiting  for  the  enemy's  attack, 
He  led  his  forces  to  the  valley  back, 
And  met  the  Aztecs  on  the  open  plain. 
Ere  they  the  mountain  passes  could  attain, 
Then  boldly  charged  into  their  masses,  dense, 
And  with  the  horse  and  foot  made  gaps,  and  rents. 
The  onset  was  so  furious,  and  fast, 
That  they,  before  it,  broke  and  fled  aghast — 
Fled — routed — to  the  wild  Sierra's  breast, 
For  refuge  in  its  fastnesses,  and  rest. 
While  in  pursuit  the  angry  victors  flew; 
And  all  who  fell  within  their  reach  they  slew. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  265 

VIII. 

The  march  was,  through  the  mountains,  then  resumed, 

And  high  the  pinnacles  above  them  loomed. 

Two  cliffs,  each  with  a  fortress  crowned,  they  passed, 

And,  as  before,  with  missiles  were  harassed. 

The  eminences  near  each  other  rose. 

And  populous  were  both  with  well-armed  foes. 

"The  morn's  disaster  we  must  now  retrieve 

By  gilding  with  a  victory  the  eve  !  " 

Cried  Cortez,  as  he  turned  a  mountain  bend. 

"  Scale  then  the  highest  of  the  cliffs,  and  rend 

All  who  that  airy  settlement  defend  !  " 

The  order  was  with  promptitude  obeyed. 

But  vainly  was  the  deadly  task  essayed. 

The  morn's  disaster  was  repeated  here, 

When  camped  the  troops,  until  the  morrow,  near. 

Their  baffled  leader,  mortified,  and  grave. 

Resolved,  again,  the  precipice  to  brave. 

His  purpose  by  the  Aztecs  was  divined. 

And  so  the  forces  of  the  cliffs  were  joined. 

Short-sighted  strategy,  indeed,  was  this — 

To  grasp  a  shadow,  and  the  substance  miss — 

For  at  the  dawn  the  height  deserted,  now, 

Was  by  the  army  climbed,  and  from  its  brow 

They  fired  upon  the  other  till  defeat 

Drove  its  defenders  swiftly,  to  retreat. 

Then  cried  they — "  We  capitulate  !     Forgive  ! 

Ascend  our  mountain  height,  but  let  us  live  !  " 

Not  on  the  victors  lost  was  this  appeal. 

And  all  were  spared  who  to  the  Cross  would  kneel, 

Which  moved  another  force  ere  long  to  yield  * 

And  wisdom  thus  in  lenity  revealed. 


*  Namely,  the  garrison  on  the  cliff  which  had  been  unsuc- 
cessfully stormed  on  the  morning  of  the  previous  day. 


2(36  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

IX. 

Two  days  the  army  lingered  in  the  pass, 
And  solemnized  each  morn,  and  eve,  a  Mass, 
While  all  around  sequestered  beauty  beamed, 
And  in  the  sun  bright  birds,  and  insects  gleamed. 
Then  Cortez,  for  his  forces,  led  the  way 
Southwestward,  through  a  region,  green,  and  gray, 
With  the  Sierra's  peaks  above,  around. 
And  verdure  carpeting  the  rocky  ground. 
Through   mountain   mazes,    wild,    and   deep,   they 

went, 
And  even  here  inhaled  the  roses'  scent. 
Huaxtepec  a  friendly  greeting  gave — 
It  erst  had  bowed  to  Sandoval,  the  brave — 
But  other  towns,  deserted,  silent  lay. 
Their  people  all  had  fled,  in  fear,  away. 
And  now  upon  the  army's  flank,  and  rear, 
Pursued,  and  fought,  with  arrow,  sling,  and  spear. 
So  they  a  prey  to  flames,  and  pillage,  fell, 
And  lurid  lights  were  shed  on  peak,  and  dell. 

Now  down  the  Cordillera's  sweeping  slope — 
Borne  on  by  courage,  av'rice,  zeal,  and  hope — 
The    army   marched,    with    hearts    that  sighed   for 

spoil. 
And  heeded  not,  howe'er  severe,  the  toil. 
The  scoria  and  slaggy  lava  told 
Of  fierce  volcanoes,  silent  now,  and  cold."*^ 
But  vegetation,  here  and  there,  was  rank. 
And  water  bubbled  up  from  Nature's  tank. 
Still  pressing  on,  a  city  came  in  sight. 
Which  filled  the  Spanish  troops  with  keen  delight. 

*  Vokanoes  now  extinct  in  Mexico  were  active  at  the  time 
of  the  conquest. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  267 

*T  was  Cuernavaca's  pyramids  that  gleamed — 
And  this,  of  old,  with  opulence  had  teemed.  * 
But  formidable  ravines  round  it  ran 
Too  wide  to  leap  by  either  horse  or  man, 
Save  where  these  narrowed  on  a  mountain  plain, 
Which  they,  by  marching  far,  alone  could  gain. 
Their  ranks  were  to  the  Aztecs'  fire  exposed. 
Who  screened  from  harm,  and  only  half  disclosed, 
Hurled  missiles,  and  defiance,  at  the  foe. 
"  A  passage  seek,"  Hernando  cried,  "  below, 
Through  which  both  horse,  and  man,  may  safely  go." 
'Twas    sought   in  vain.     Two  trees    howe'er  there 

grew 
On  either  side  the  ravine,  and  they  threw 
From  leaning  trunks — which  high  above  embraced — 
Their  lengthy  boughs  that  closely  interlaced. 
By  the  aerial  bridge,  thus  Nature-formed, 
The  allies  said  the  city  could  be  stormed, 
And  o'er  it  then  to  pass  one  Aztec  tried. 
And  climbed  in  safety  to  the  other  side  ; 
Then  others  of  his  race  as  quickly  crossed 
But  some — by  falling — in  the  cleft  were  lost ; 
Then  Spaniards  one  by  one,  the  feat  essayed, 
And  for  the  help, of  saints,  and  angels  prayed. 
And  all,  but  three,  who  ventured  crossed  the  breach. 
These — losing  hold — passed  out  of  human  reach.! 

Fast  formed  the  soldiers  of  the  growing  arch, 
And  swiftly  on  the  city  made  a  march. 
Unseen  by  Aztec  multitudes,  whose  eyes 

*The  Aztec  name  of  the  city  was  Quauhuahuac.  It  was 
the  ancient  capital  of  the  Tlahuicas,  and  Cortez  reached  it  on 
the  ninth  day  of  the  march  from  Tezcuco. 

t  Between  twenty  and  thirty  Spaniards,  and  many  Tlascalans 
crossed  in  this  manner.  Cortez,  with  the  main  body  of  the 
army,  meanwhile  remained  higher  up  the  ravine. 


268  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

When  they  beheld  them,  flashed  intense  surprise. 

They  came  as  if  they'd  fallen  from  the  clouds, 

And  boldly  plunged  amid  their  swaying  crowds, 

Where  they  were  fighting  Cortez  and  his  host, 

And  utt'ring  oft  the  while,  some  taunt,  or  boast. 

The  Spanish  leader  saw  his  little  band 

Before  the  Aztec  arms  thus  bravely  stand, 

And  labored  to  protect  them  all  he  could, 

And,  too,  to  mend  a  bridge  that  spanned  the  flood.* 

This — to  the  wonder  of  both  armies — done, 

Amid  the  glories  of  the  setting  sun, 

The  troops  of  Cortez  crossed  the  bridge,  and,  lo ! 

Dashed  furiously  forward  on  the  foe. 

And  to  the  rescue  of  their  comrades  brave. 

Whom  naught  but  timely  succor,  now  could  save. 

The  Aztecs,  bravely  on  resistance  bent, 

Into  their  ranks  their  volleys  thickly  sent, 

Then  backward  reeled,  and — shattered — fled  pursued 

Into  the  wild  Sierra's  solitude. 

The  victors  pillaged  wheresoe'er  they  chose. 

And  high  the  flames  above  the  city  rose. 

X. 

No  further  south,  and  west,  would  Cortez  go, 
But  northward  turn  to  follow  up  the  foe, 
Recross  the  mountains,  to  the  valley  back, 
And  ev'rywhere  the  Aztec  hosts  attack. 
The  southern  slope  he  climbed  to  gain  the  crest. 
And  paused  'mid  pines,  and  stunted  oak,  for  rest. 
By  toil,  and  thirst,  the  army  grew  depressed. 
For  here  with  water  they  were  seldom  blest. 
And  hard,  and  rugged,  was  their  mountain  road. 
While  of  his  spoils  each  bore  a  weighty  load. 

*  A  torrent  of  water  ran  at  the  bottom  of  the  ravine. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  269 

At  last,  emerging  from  the  forest's  gloom, 
Tliey  faced  the  valley,  beautiful  with  bloom, 
And  in  its  matchless  scenery  as  grand 
As  phantom  scenes  of  bliss  in  fairy-land. 
'T  was  but  the  splendid  vale  they'd  seen  before, 
Yet  all  seemed  new  as  here  they  scanned  it  o'er, 
Just  as  the  point  from  which  they  gazed  was  new, 
And  so  enhanced  the  pleasure  of  the  view. 
The  central  lake,  and  Tenochtitlan,  lay 
Like  Paradise,  before  them,  far  away, 
And,  as  they  in  the  sunlight  brightly  shone, 
They  longed  to  call  that  Paradise  their  own. 

Ere  long  the  Field  of  Flowers  *  came  in  sight — 
A  city  rich,  and  famous  for  its  might — 
Whose  legions  stood  prepared  the  foe  to  fight, 
And  bravely  they  resisted  when  attacked 
Though  by  the  Spanish  army  rudely  racked. 
But  science,  over  numbers,  still  prevailed. 
And  native  hosts,  again,  defeat  bewailed. 

Pursued  by  foes  who  trampled  down  their  dead. 

The  routed  Aztecs  from  the  city  fled, 

While  Cortez  held  the  gate  that  to  it  led, 

A  few  bold  soldiers  only  at  his  side. 

There  suddenly,  he  saw  a  human  tide 

Rush  o'er  the  causeway,  from  the  nearest  shore. 

And  charge  upon  him  with  exulting  roar. 

For  strong  support  his  comrades  seemed  too  weak. 

And  vengeance  on  him  now  the  foe  would  wreak. 

He  fell  beneath  a  blow  that  numbed  his  brain. 

And  overwhelmed  by  numbers.     "  He  is  slain  ! " 

Cried  one  among  the  throng,  and  he  was  lost — 


*  The  name,  of  the  city  was   Xochimilco,  the  signification 
of  which  is  expressed  in  the  text. 


270  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Upon  the  billows  of  the  battle  tossed. 
Then  forward  sprang  a  native  ally,  brave, 
From  sacrifice,  the  Spanish  chief  to  save — 
Sprang  like  a  lion  on  his  leaping  prey, 
And  tore  him  from  his  enemies  away. 
On  to  the  rescue  came  his  comrades  near. 
And  battled  boldly,  armed  with  sword,  and  spear, 
While  springing  to  his  feet,  and  on  his  steed, 
He  charged  them,  with  his  lance,  at  flying  speed. 
His  troops,  returning,  joined  him  in  the  fray, 
And  after  carnage,  dire,  regained  their  sway. 

From  death  the  Aztecs  Cortez  wished  to  spare 
For  sacrifice,  with  native  pomp,  and  care, 
Else  they'd  have  slain  him  while  they  held  him  fast. 
And  by  their  arms  he'd  there  have  breathed  his 

last. 
Thus,  then  was  saved  by  Providence  his  life, 
And  they  beheld  him  lead,  again,  the  strife. 
And  gnashed  their  teeth,  in  anger,  at  the  thought 
That  once  that  tyrant  in  their  toils  was  caught. 
Not  yet  howe'er  the  danger  had  been  passed. 
From  Tenochtitlan  *  marched  an  army,  vast. 
Dispatched  the  day's  disasters  to  retrieve. 
And  that  beleaguered  garrison  relieve, 
While  all  the  waters  of  the  lake  t  were  dark 
With  war  canoes,  each  an  avenging  ark. 
The  Emperor  of  Mexico  was  brave. 
And  cried — "  What,  now,  can  the  invaders  save  .?  " 

Night  fell  before  they  came,  but,  at  the  dawn, 
They  stood  revealed,  in  battle  order  drawn. 

*The  Mexican  capital  was  distant  only  four  leagues  from 
Xochimilco. 
t  Lake  Tezcuco. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  271 

With  apprehension  Cortez  saw  their  ranks, 

And,  ere  he  moved,  they  charged  upon  his  flanks    * 

With  all  the  fury  common  to  their  race. 

As  if  determined  to  regain  the  place. 

The  crossbow,  and  the  musket,  answered  back ; 

The  cavalry  dashed  forward  to  attack ; 

The  infantry,  with  pikes,  like  demons  rushed. 

And  in  the  struggle  multitudes  were  crushed. 

The  Aztecs  in  disorder,  wild,  recoiled 

Before  the  onset,  then  retreated,  foiled, 

While  the  triumphant  foe  for  miles  pursued. 

For  slaughter  eager,  and  in  savage  mood. 

But  suddenly  the  army  in  retreat. 

Which  groaned  beneath  its  losses,  and  defeat, 

Met  reinforcements  marshalled  for  relief, 

And  into  joy  was  turned  its  former  grief. 

Back  swept  the  tide  on  the  pursuing  foe. 

To  strike  for  country  yet  another  blow  ; 

And  when — with  dreadful  shock — the  armies  met, 

The  field  was  made  with  greater  bloodshed  wet. 

The  fighting  masses  in  the  combat  swayed, 

Each  army  forward  by  its  leader  urged, 

While  mingled  war-cries  through  the  turmoil  rang, 

And  triumph  all  uncertain  seemed  to  hang. 

But  as  before,  the  Christian  arms  prevailed, 

Though  by  a  bold  and  mighty  force  assailed. 

The  battle  ended  in  an  Aztec  rout — 

And  from  the  victors,  a  triumphant  shout — 

While  slaughter  followed  fast  the  flying  foe. 

All  Mexico  was  startled  by  the  blow  ! 

XI. 

The  city  sacked,  and  given  o'er  to  fire, 

To  gratify  a  stern  revengeful  ire. 

The  fierce  invaders — laden  with  their  spoil — 


272  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Resumed  their  march,  triumphant,  o'er  the   soil,* 

And  in  the  burning  city's  lurid  glow. 

The  fading  Empire  read  of  future  woe. 

The  fatal  beings,  long  predicted,  lo  ! 

Had  come  to  ravage,  and  destroy,  the  land. 

And  naught  against  their  arms,  alas  !  could  stand. 

Two  leagues  away  another  city  f  rose, 

Where  found  the  army  coveted  repose. 

For  all  its  jDCople  from  their  homes  had  fled, 

Of  their  approaching  enemy,  in  dread. 

Tacuba  lay  in  sight,  not  far  away, 

And,to  its  gates,  hence  Cortez  led  the  way, 

His  line  of  march  by  skirmishers  beset 

Who  saw  his  spoils  with  anger,  and  regret, 

And  charged  with  fury  on  his  flank,  and  rear, 

And  havoc  wrought  with  arrow,  sling,  and  spear. 

Tacuba,  ravaged,  lay  in  peaceful  gloom, 

As  if  resigned,  in  ashes,  to  her  doom,  % 

But  from  her  highest  temple's  topmost  height 

A  bright  and  lovely  prospect  met  the  sight. 

Embracing  Mexico,  and  all  around. 

Within  the  distant,  dark  Sierra  bound. 

And  thither  Cortez  took  his  way,  and  sighed 

O'er  all  the  beauty  of  the  scene  he  eyed. 

"Alas  !  "  said  he,  "that  yonder  city,  fair. 

Which  I  would,  gladly,  from  destruction  spare. 

If  it  but  vowed  allegiance  unto  Spain, 

Should  thus  in  foul  rebellion  still  remain. 

How  often  I  have  asked  it  to  return, 

*  Cortez  left  Xochimilco  on  the  fourth  morning  after  his 
arrival. 

t  Cojohuacan,  where  Cortez  remained  two  days. 

X  Tacuba  was  distant  from  the  city  of  Mexico  but  little 
more  than  a  league. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  273 

And  offered  the  forgiveness  it  would  spurn, 

And  yet  the  time  has  come  to  crush  the  foe 

By  laying  Mexico's  proud  city  low ! 

'T  is  sad  to  think  what  perils  we  must  face 

Ere  we  can  conquer  this  unyielding  race, 

And  call  the  mighty  capital  our  own. 

But  we  must  hurl  the  monarch  from  his  throne, 

And  plant  the  Cross  where  infidels  have  reigned, 

And  God,  and  all  His  works,  on  earth  profaned! 

We  come,  as  His  crusaders,  to  redeem 

The  land  from  darkness,  where  the  truth  may  beam. 

May  Jesus  help  us  to  accomplish  this. 

His  will  be  done — our  crown  eternal  bliss  ! " 

Brief,  at  Tacuba,  was  the  army's  stay, 

For  danger  would  have  followed  on  delay. 

And  Cortez  longed  his  camp,  again,  to  greet. 

And  there  survey,  with  hopeful  pride,  the  fleet. 

O'er  flooded  roads,  while  torrents  fell,  he  passed, 

Till  to  Tezcuco's  gates  he  came  at  last. 

And,  as  a  brother,  Sandoval  embraced, 

Then  cried — "Now  on  to  Mexico  we'll  hasle  !  " 

Three  weeks  had  flown  since  he  the  march  began, 

And  toward  the  bold  Sierra  led  the  van. 

The  while  beneath  the  builders'  cunning  hand. 

The  brigantines  were  fitted,  rigged,  and  manned, 

And  made  all  ready  for  the  golden  tide, 

As  for  the  bridal  is  the  virgin  bride. 

The  circuit  of  the  valley  had  been  made, 

And  now  the  time  had  come  for  the  blockade. 

xn. 

But  little  Cortez  thought  of  treason  then. 
Among  his  soldiers  and  brave  countrymen. 
Yet  foul  conspiracy,  deep-laid  and  dark, 


274  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

* 
Which  had  his  life,  and  others',  for  its  mark — 
Beneath  the  tranquil  surface  lay  concealed. 
'T  was  only  by  an  accident  revealed  : 
A  conscience-stricken  wretch  confessed  the  plot, 
And  saw  its  leader  *  hung  upon  the  spot. 
The  rest  of  these  conspirators  were  spared,  f 
And  in  the  future  battles  gladly  shared, 
Though  by  their  guilt  they  merited  the  fate 
Which  doth  on  mutineer,  and  traitor  wait ; 
But  Cortez  deemed  his  Spanish  troops  too  few — 
In  view  of  all  the  work  he  had  to  do — 
For  more  to  fall  by  his  avenging  hand. 
He  needed  all,  to  devastate  the  land ! 
And  while  his  foes  in  camp  his  murder  planned, 
His  enemies  in  Cuba  and  in  Spain 
His  downfall  sought,  nor  seemed  to  seek  in  vain, 
But  time,  and  distance,  proved  a  double  shield 
To  one  who  marched  to  conquest  in  the  field, 
And  in  the  end  their  machinations  failed. 
And  Cortez  as  a  conqueror  was  hailed. 

xin. 

The  morning  of  the  launch  was  fair  and  bright. 
And  all  the  army  hailed  it  with  delight. 
To  Cortez  't  was  a  solemn,  great  event — 
First  of  its  kind  upon  the  continent — % 
And  in  its  celebration  Mass  was  said, 

*  Antonio  Villafana,  a  common  soldier  who  came  over  with 
Narvaez.     He  was  hung  from  the  window  of  his  quarters. 

t  Cortez  did  not  even  intimate  to  them  that  he  was  aware 
of  their  complicity  in  the  plot  to  assassinate  himself,  and  his 
officers,  but  during  the  rest  of  the  campaign  he  was  provided 
with  a  bodyguard  of  trusty  Castilians. 

X  The  first  navy  worthy  of  the  name  ever  launched  upon 
American  waters. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  275 

While  banners  to  the  winds  were  gayly  spread, 

And  on  the  air  the  cannon  loudly  boomed, 

As  if  to  say  that  Mexico  was  doomed. 

Then,  one  by  one,  before  rejoicing  eyes — 

Amid  a  chorus  of  exulting  cries — 

The  stately  vessels  glided  toward  the  lake, 

With  silver  ripples  sparkling  in  their  wake. 

Down  the  canal,  for  half  a  league,  they  sped 

Ere  they  wete  to  the  lake's  broad  waters  wed.  * 

Then,  with  expanded  wings,  to  catch  the  breeze, 

They  sailed  as  proudly  as  if  on  the  seas, 

With  music,  and  with  musketry,  and  cheers 

Resounding  in  a  hundred  thousand  ears. 

'T   was   then   that    Spanish    breasts   with   rapture 

swelled. 
And  Cortez  conquest,  in  his  fleet,  beheld. 
And  all  an  anthem  sang  with  one  accord — 
The  grand  2"e  Deum — glory  to  the  Lord. 

XIV. 

Before  the  camp  the  forces,  now,  were  massed, 
And  in  review — by  Cortez  eyed — they  passed,  f 
When  he  harangued  them  in  a  stirring  strain : — 
"Brave  soldiers  of  the  Cross,  and  sons  of  Spain, 


*  This  event  took  place  on  the  28th  of  April,  1521,  the 
troops  being  drawn  up  under  arms,  and  the  whole  population 
gathered  to  witness  the  ceremony.  The  canal,  half  a  league 
in  length,  twelve  feet  wide  and  as  many  deep,  was  a  work  of 
immense  labor,  having  occupied  eight  thousand  men  nearly 
two  months.  Its  sides  were  strengthened  by  palisades  of 
masonry  and  timber,  and  it  was  furnished  with  dams  and 
locks,  and  cut  through  hard  rock,  at  intervals. 

t  The  Spanish  portion  of  the  army  now  numbered  eight 
hundred  and  eighteen  foot,  of  which  a  hundred  and  eighteen 
were  arquebusiers,  and  crossbowmen,  and  eighty-seven 
cavalry — a  force  larger  than  had  gathered  at  any  time  since 


1^^  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

I've  brought  you  to  the  wished-for  goal  at  last, 

Through  stormy  scenes,  and  perils  that  are  past ! 

The  gates  of  Mexico  we'll  soon  assail, 

Nor  to  subdue  the  city  can  we  fail, 

For — God-defended — we  are  strong,  and  bold. 

Our  present,  and  our  former  state  behold  ! 

The  Providence  that  rules  in  this  we  see  ! 

Thanks  to  a  watchful,  guiding  deity ! 

Less  than  a  year  ago  we  fled  pursued, 

With  broken  ranks,  in  melancholy  mood, 

And  refuge  sought  from  our  exultant  foes, 

To  find  in  Tlascala,  at  length,  repose. 

How  they  contrast — our  fortunes  then,  and  now! 

Ne'er  to  the  infidel  our  arms  shall  bow ! 

Of  future  triumphs,  past  achievements  tell. 

Who  doubts  that  all,  with  us,  will  prosper  well  ? 

The  battles  of  the  faith  we're  here  to  fight, 

And  spread  abroad  the  holy  Gospel's  light ! 

We  fight,  too,  for  our  honor,  and  revenge — 

We,  yet,  have  much,  in  duty,  to  avenge — 

For  riches,  and  for  glor)',  and  renown, 

The  Christian  Cross,  and  the  Castilian  crown  ! 

I've  brought  you  to  your  foe, now,  face  to  face. 

'T  is  yours  to  triumph  o'er  the  Aztec  race. 

And  gain,  by  conquest,  all  this  smiling  land. 

Go  then,  and  reap  !  tlie  harvest  lies  at  hand  !  " 

There  came,  in  answer,  acclamations  loud 

From  all  the  Spaniards  in  that  warlike  crowd, 

Who  cried — "  Hurrah  !  for  Cortez  !     Only  lead, 

And  we  will  do  whate'er  may  be  decreed." 


the  flight  from  Mexico  under  the  banner  of  Cortez.  The 
artillery  consisted  of  three  large  iron  fieldpieces,  and  fifteen 
lighter  guns  of  brass.  Three  hundred  Spaniards  were 
detailed  to  man  the  brigantines,  and  each  brigantine  carried 
a  piece  of  heavy  ordnance. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  277 

Then  Cortez  thus  his  officers  addressed, 
And,  with  his  daring  spirit,  all  impressed. 
*'  In  three  divisions,  let  the  army  fight.  * 
While  Alvarado  will  command  the  right — 
His  quarters  at  Tacuba,  by  the  dike, 
Where  with  advantage  he,  the  foe,  can  strike — 
The  left  will  be  by  Sandoval  employed. 
From  Chalco  he  his  native  troops  will  guide 
To  Iztapalapan,  and  there  destroy 
Whatever  in  the  future  might  annoy  ; 
And  Olid  will  the  third  division  lead 
To  Cojo-hu-a-can,  and  there  await 
The  proper  moment  to  co-operate 
With  Sandoval,  and  Alvarado,  who 
With  him,  in  concert,  will  the  fight  renew — 
While  I  upon  the  lake  will  guide  the  fleet, 
And  overwhelm  the  Aztecs  with  defeat. 
By  one  day's  march  the  allies  will  precede 
The  Spanish  troops,  for  longer  rest  they  need. 
The  time  has  come  for  them  to  forward  go, 
And  help  to  lay  their  ancient  tyrants  low. 
Their  eighty  thousand  arms  will  not  in  vain, 
For  freedom  strike,  and  their  adopted  Spain." 

XV. 

The  bravest  chieftain  of  the  Land  of  Bread, f 
Who  first  had  filled  the  Spanish  troops  with  dread. 
When  on  the  plains  of  Tlascala  he  fought. 
And  in  their  ranks  unlooked-for  havoc  wrought. 
Deep  hatred  for  them,  still,  in  secret,  felt, 

*  Alvarado's  division  included  30  horse,  168  Spanish 
infantry  and  25,000  Tlascalans;  Sandoval's  24  horse,  167 
infantry  and  30,000  mixed  allies,  and  Olid's  33  horse,  178 
infantry,  and  20,000  Tlascalans. 

t  Xicotencatl  of  Tlascala. 


278  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Though  he,  a  convert,  'neath  the  Cross  had  knelt. 

He  loathed  the  war,  though  holding  a  command. 

And  mourned — how  sadly  ! — o'er  his  fated  land. 

'T  was  he  who  in  the  councils  of  the  State 

Had  warned  his  elders,  ere  it  seemed  too  late. 

To  drive  the  white  invaders  from  the  soil, 

Ere  they,  by  them,  were  doomed  to  fight,  and  toil. 

But  they  the  young  hot-blooded  chief  reproved. 

And  all  his  angry  counsel  disapproved. 

This  chieftain  from  the  camp  his  army  led. 

And  to  the  breeze  his  native  banner  spread, 

But  when  it  halted  for  the  night  he  said — 

"  Against  this  warfare  I  rebel  at  heart. 

And  wish  no  more  in  such  to  act  a  part. 

I,  with  a  chosen  few,  will  homeward  hie, 

But  ye  can  forward  march  to  fight,  and  die  !  " 

So  saying  he  departed  on  his  way. 

And  Cortez  learned  the  tidings  with  dismay, 

And  sent  some  friendly  natives  to  pursue, 

And  urge  him  to  his  army  to  be  true. 

But  he  refused  to  all  they  said  to  list. 

And  in  his  purpose  vowed  that  he'd  persist. 

Then  Cortez  cried — "  I'll  take  him  by  surprise  ; 

A  troop  of  horse  shall  seize  him  as  he  flies !  " 

'T  was  done,  and,  to  the  camp  he,  captive,  came, 

Where  he  was  told  his  sentence,  and  his  shame. 

A  gallows  was  erected  in  the  square,* 

And  he  was  led,  and  executed,  there. 

His  wealth  was  confiscated  to  the  Crown, 

And  ignominy  covered  his  renown. 

Thus  perished  one  who'd  glorified  his  State — 

A  hero  who  deserved  a  nobler  fate. 

Who  spurned  at  heart  the  fierce,  invading  horde, 

*  Fronting  the  camp  at  Tezcuco.     No  disturbance  followed 
the  execution. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  279 

That  carried  devastation  with  the  sword, 
And  loved  his  country,  hating  these  its  foes, 
Foreseeing,  in  their  train,  its  endless  woes. 
If  all  had,  like  him,  with  prophetic  eye. 
Seen  ruin  follow  when  they  ventured  nigh, 
And  felt  the  courage  that  imbued  his  breast. 
Not  Cortez  thus  would  have  their  land  oppressed, 
Nor  that  proud  Aztec  empire  passed  away. 
Like  morning  mist  before  the  beams  of  day. 


PART  TENTH. 


The  moving  army  met  the  monarch's  eyes. 
And  well  he  watched  the  martial  enterprise — 
Watched  ev'ry  movement  with  untiring  gaze, 
And  planned  its  sore  defeat  in  divers  ways. 
He  saw  Don  Olid  Alvarado,  meet, 
While  standing  in  his  eyrie-like  retreat, 
And  then  upon  Chapultepec  advance. 
There,  to  the  aqueduct,  he  turned  his  glance. 
And  saw  the  Spanish  troops  his  own  attack, 
And  drive  them,  in  the  battle,  further  back, 
Then  cut  the  pipes  that  led  to  Mexico, 
Which  made  the  city's  fountains  cease  to  flow  ; 
Nor  e'er  again  the  sparkling  fluid  ran 
Through  these,  to  satisfy  the  thirst  of  man, 
While  that  great  monument  of  art,  and  skill, 
Which  crowned  Chapultepec's  dark  cypressed  hil 
Was  left  dismantled  at  the  victor's  hands. 
And  crystal  floods  escaped  among  the  sands. 
He  saw  the  two  commanders,  lead  the  way, 
And  storm  the  fatal  dike,  and  heard  the  fray, 


28o  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

But  though  they  battled  hard  't  was  all  in  vain 

The  causeway's  nearest  bridge  they  strove  to  gain. 

He  saw  his  hosts  upon  the  lake  and  dike, 

With  valor,  and  determination  strike, 

And  then  repulse,  with  slaughter,  all  their  foes, 

While  deadly  were  their  well-directed  blows. 

He  saw  those  foes,  discomfited,  depart 

For  shelter  to  their  camps,  two  leagues  apart. 

And  thanked  Mexitli  for  this  battle  won. 

And   prayed  that  thus  henceforth  the  tide  would 

run. 
The  while  the  troops  of  Sandoval  had  gained 
The  streets  of  Iztapalapan,  and  stained 
With  blood,  anew,  the  city,  sacked. before. 
Ere  in  revenge,  't  was  deeply  flooded  o'er : 
And  there  they  paused,  awaiting  the  command 
To  further  ravage  the  benighted  land. 

II. 

The  brigantines  now  glided  o'er  the  lake. 
Each  leaving  silver  bubbles  in  its  wake, 
While  on  the  shore  the  natives  gazed  with  eyes 
That  eloquently  told  their  great  surprise. 
Each  craft  to  them  was  like  a  thing  of  life, — 
Some  white-winged  demon  on  a  sea  of  strife, — 
Which  called  the  winds  to  aid  it  in  its  flight. 
And  bore  the  white  men  on  its  breast  to  fight. 
How  wondrous  to  their  vision  was  the  sight ! 
As  this  flotilla  passed  a  rocky  height, 
A  cloud  of  missiles  from  its  summit  fell. 
While  echoed  through  the  chasms  yell  on  yell. 
There  Cortez  landed,  climbed  the  steep  ascent — 
On  punishing  his  foes,  audacious,  bent — 
And  to  the  sword  the  garrison  consigned. 
Then,  with  his  troops,  his  fleet,  in  triumph,  joined. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  2S1 

The  waters  of  the  lake  were  swarming  now 

With  war-canoes,  well  manned  from  stern  to  bow, 

Each  paddling  toward  the  brigantines  with  speed — 

The  Aztec's  never-failing  water-steed. 

A  calm  prevailed,  but  suddenly  a  breeze, 

As  welcome  as  't  was  e'er  in  tropic  seas, 

Caressed  the  bosom  of  the  shining  lake. 

Which  seemed  from  dreamy  slumber  to  awake, 

And  breathed  new  life  into  the  listless  sails, 

While  wafting  perfume  from  the  hills  and  dales. 

The  brigantines,  in  line  of  battle,  flew 

Before  this  Providential  *  wind,  that  blew. 

And  overturned,  by  hundreds,  the  canoes. 

And  helpless  swimmers  left  their  dusky  crews. 

The  brigantines  their  fatal  volleys  fired, 

And  as  they  fired  the  fleeing  foe  expired. 

But  few  escaped  of  all  the  Aztec  fleet. 

For  they  were  intercepted  in  retreat. 

The  brigantines  borne  onward  by  their  wings — 

Which    to   the    foe   were    strange,    and   wondrous 

things — 
Gave  chase,  like  eagles  pouncing  on  their  prey, 
And  easy  was  the  task  to  crush,  and  slay. 
Defeat  so  utter  greater  seemed  than  aught 
That  Cortez  yet,  in  Mexico,  had  wrought, 
And  ever  after,  o'er  this  inland  sea, 
He  ranged  in  undisputed  mastery. 

III. 

The  twilight,  with  its  shades,  the  prospect  veiled 
As,  when  the  fight  was  o'er,  the  squadron  sailed 
Along  the  southern  causeway,  to  the  west, 


*  So  considered  by  Cortez,  who,  like  his  age,  was  super- 
stitious. 


282  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  found  at  anchor,  nigh  to  Xoloc,  rest.* 

There,  where  the  smaller  joined  the  larger  dike. 

Two  stony  turrets  rose  up  fortress-like, 

And  wider  grew  the  causeway.     Cortez  cried — 

"  This  suits  me  well,  and  I  will  here  abide. 

The  garrison  I'll  quickly  put  to  flight. 

And  pitch  my  camp  within  their  walls  to-night !  " 

When  on  the  causeway  shone  the  morrow's  sun, 

It  showed  the  work  of  Cortez  had  been  done. 

The  cannon  from  the  fleet  were  landed  there. 

And  in  position  placed,  with  skill  and  care. 

Of  Olid's  troops,  one  half  were  ordered  on, 

And  messengers  to  Sandoval  had  gone 

Commanding  him  to  haste,  with  all  his  force. 

To  Olid's  camp,  and  by  the  straightest  course. f 

The  Aztecs  now  discovered,  but  too  late. 

Here  lay  the  key  to  Tenochtitlan's  gate, 

And  stormed  the  camp  with  fury,  night  and  day. 

To  drive  the  hated  Spanish  troops  away. 

The  lake  again  was  dark  with  war-canoes, 

All  filled  with  yelling,  fierce,  and  fighting  crews, 

Who,  on  the  side  where  lay  the  Spanish  fleet. 

Kept  at  a  distance,  mindful  of  retreat. 

But  on  the  other,  with  the  dike  between. 

Close  ventured,  and  attacked  with  savage  mien, 

And  with  their  missiles  wrought  such  havoc,  rude, 

*  Xoloc  was  that  point  of  the  great  southern  causeway, 
extending  from  the  city  of  Mexico  to  the  mainland,  where  it 
was  joined  by  a  branch  causeway  from  Cojohuacan,  and  was 
situated  half  a  league  from  the  capital,  and  nearly  midway  in 
Lake  Tezcuco  between  the  city  and  the  shore.  The  towers 
referred  to  were  fortresses  surrounded  by  stone  walls,  and 
occHpied  by  an  Aztec  garrison. 

t  Olid  was  stationed  at  Cojohuacan,  near  the  shore  end  of 
the  causeway  leading  to  the  spot  occupied  by  Cortez,  so  that 
the  latter  through  him  could  obtain  supplies  from  the  sur- 
rounding country. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  283 

That  Cortez  through  the  dike  a  channel  hewed, 
Through  which  two  brigantines  in  safety  passed, 
And  so  no  more  the  foe  the  camp  harassed. 

IV. 

The  two  great  highways,  now,  to  Mexico — 

Those  west,  and  south — were  wrested  by  her  foe. 

A  third  remained,  upon  the  northern  side. 

The  dike  of  Tep-e-jac-ac,  long,  and  wide. 

Thence  Alvarado  from  Tacuba  went. 

And  bravely  fought,  and  scaled  each  battlement. 

Till,  on  the  dike,  he,  in  his  camp,  reposed. 

With  all  the  causeways  to  the  city  closed. 

Not  more  complete  the  blockade  could  have  been, 

And  Quahtemozin  saw  it  with  chagrin ; 

But  Cortez,  not  content  with  this  alone. 

More  quickly  sought  the  monarch  to  dethrone, 

And,  to  surrender,  Tenochtitlan  force ; 

So  to  the  march  again  he'd  swift  recourse. 


Once  more  at  dawn  the  Spanish  troops  arose, 
And,  under  arms,  prepared  to  meet  their  foes. 
The  solemn,  stately,  and  imposing  Mass — 
No  morn  without  it  was  allowed  to  pass — 
Was  then  performed  to  reverential  ears, 
And  from  believing  minds  it  banished  fears. 
For  to  their  faith  the  sons  of  Spain  were  true. 
Yet  wickedness  they  practised,  daily,  too. 
The  Spanish  chieftain  marched  before  the  van, 
Along  the  dike,  which  to  the  city  ran, 
Designing  Tenochtitlan  to  attack 
And  leave  a  line  of  ruin  in  his  track. 
Ere  long  he  halted  at  a  bridgeless  breach, 


284  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Where,  on  the  other  side,  beyond  his  reach, 

A  solid  rampart  rose  to  screen  his  foes, 

Who  yelled  defiance  as  they  struck  their  blows. 

The  Spaniards  fought,  but  to  dislodge  them  failed 

Till  on  each  side  a  brigantine  assailed. 

The  Aztecs,  then,  retreated  from  the  fire, 

Though  not  till  racked  and  rent  by  carnage,  dire, 

And  from  the  brigantines  the  soldiers  leapt. 

And  in  pursuit  along  the  causeway  swept. 

While  Cortez,  and  his  comrades  swam  the  space, 

And  followed,  close  behind  them,  in  the  race. 

Till  to  another  open  breach  they  came. 

There  foes  again  from  ramparts  took  their  aim, 

And  those  pursued,  behind  them  shelter  found. 

Each  swam  the  gap  as  swiftly  as  a  hound. 

While  Aztec  arrows  thickly  flew  around. 

The  brigantines  again  were  brought  to  bear, 

And  musketry,  and  cannon  thundered  there 

Until  the  place  was  captured  as  before 

Amid  the  battle's  cries,  and  angry  roar. 

Thus  breach  on  breach  was  carried  to  the  end. 

The  Aztecs,  eager,  each  one,  to  defend. 

The  victors,  in  their  course,  the  ramparts  razed, 

And  massive  stones  from  out  the  dike  were  raised, 

With  which  they  filled  the  chasms  in  their  way, 

A  source,  as  they  progressed,  of  much  delay ; 

But  in  the  end  the  capital  was  gained. 

And  Aztec  blood  again  its  precincts  stained. 

VI. 

They  now  were  in  the  same  broad  avenue 
As  they,  on  coming  first,  paraded  through. 
When  Montezuma  welcomed  them  in  peace. 
And  they  from  warfare  found  a  brief  release. 
It  crossed  the  city,  running  north  to  south — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  285 

*T  was  known  to  all  as  Tenochtitlan's  mouth — 
And  straight,  and  wide,  with  buildings  lined,  it  ran. 
In  triumph,  Cortez  forward  led  the  van. 
With  combatants  the  roofs  were  covered  o'er, 
Whose  missiles  through  his  ranks  in  torrents  tore, 
While  in  the  distance  dusky  masses  thronged 
To  fight  the  foe,  for  whose  defeat  they  longed, 
And  who,  so  foully,  had  their  country  wronged. 
"  Destroy  the  buildings  !  "  was  the  stern  command, 
And  to  obey  each  soldier  raised  his  hand. 
The  allies  who  had  labored  on  the  dike. 
And  filled  the  chasms,  now  were  first  to  strike, 
For  to  Destruction's  work  they  gladly  sprang, 
And  shrill,  and  loud,  their  savage  war-cries  rang. 
The  Spanish  troops  advanced  ;  the  foe  retired, 
But  turned  at  times,  and  on  their  foemen  fired. 
A  wide  canal,  across  the  street,  at  length 
Gave  to  the  fleeing  Aztecs  fleeting  strength. 
They  crossed  in  safety,  and  the  bridge  destroyed. 
And  screened  by  ramparts,  on  the  other  side. 
Their  missiles  showered,  and  pursuit  defied ; 
But  when  the  heavy  guns  were  brought  to  play 
They  opened  for  the  musketry  a  way  : 
The  breach  grew  wider,  and  they  fled  the  fray, 
And  those  who'd  stood  for  two  long  hours  at  bay 
Crossed  o'er  the  stream,  and  followed  up  the  chase 
Until  they'd  reached  their  former  camping-place — 
The  square  where,  erst,  their  palace-barracks  lay, 
From  which  they  fled  to  suffer  fresh  dismay 
On  that  wild  night  of  carnage  on  the  dike. 
For  that  in  vengeance  they  had  yet  to  strike. 
On  one  side  Montezuma's  palace  stood, 
And  on  another  rose  that  scene  of  blood — 
The  war-god's  mammoth  pyramidal  fane. 
Which  though  by  fire  assailed,  and  filled  with  slain. 
Still  reared  its  mighty  figure  to  the  skies — 


286  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Like  Cheops,  which  both  Time  and  man  defies — 
Surrounded  by  a  wall  *  and  lesser  fanes, 
Or  of  those  sacred  places,  the  remains. 

The  Spaniards  halted  as  they  faced  the  view. 
They  felt  this  second  advent  they  might  rue, 
But  Cortez  gave  his  well-known  battle-cry — 
"  St.  Jago  !     Comrades,  let  us  at  them  fly, 
Ere  they  can  rally ! "  and  he  waved  on  high 
His  own  true  sword,  while  with  the  other  hand 
He  grasped  his  target,  leading  his  command. 
And  took  them  boldly  through  the  temple's  gate 
Where  fled  the  Aztecs  to  escape  their  fate. 
For  they  with  terror  there  beheld  their  foe 
Again  the  scourge  of  hapless  Mexico. 
The  frantic  priests,  with  cries,  and  gestures  wild. 
From  terraces  upon  the  temple  piled — 
Which  round  it,  in  their  convolutions,  coiled — 
Urged  on  their  people  to  the  deadly  fray, 
And  chanted  in  their  ears  some  warlike  lay. 
A  squad  of  Spaniards  by  their  chieftain  led. 
Up  to  the  terraced  temple's  summit  sped. 
And  from  the  heights  the  priests,  in  fury,  threw, 
And  all  beside  within  its  cloisters  slew. 
The  holy  cross,  and  symbols,  they  had  placed 
Within  its  walls,  could  nowhere,  now,  be  traced. 
But  where  they'd  once  the  war-god  overthrown, 
x\nother  idol  occupied  a  throne, 
Rich  in  barbaric  ornament,  and  bright 
With  sparkling  gems — a  strange,  fantastic  sight. 
The  Christians  laid  it  low  with  fierce  delight. 
And  then  rejoined  their  comrades  massed  below. 
As  on  them  sprang  the  wildly-maddened  foe. 

*  The  coatepantli,   or  wall  of  serpents,  which  enclosed  the 
great  teocalli,  and  its  extensive  array  of  religious  edifices. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  287 

The  sacrilegious  outrage  on  their  fane — 

The  spectacle  of  priests,  and  teachers  slain — 

The  desecration  of  their  sacred  shrine, 

Led  all  as  one  with  fury  to  combine. 

And,  with  a  yell  of  frantic  horror,  rush 

The  panoplied  iconoclasts  to  crush. 

These,  taken  thus  by  storm,  in  sad  surprise 

Awoke  the  echoes  with  their  battle-cries. 

And  desperately  fought  to  stem  the  tide. 

But  by  the  torrent  they  were  forced  aside, 

Or  trodden  down,  and  many,  fighting,  died. 

They  backward  fell,  disordered,  to  the  square, 

But  legions,  fresh,  gave  battle  to  them  there. 

And  ere  they  rallied  they  were  put  to  flight 

'Mid  Aztec  yells  of  triumph,  and  delight. 

Their  cannon  they  abandoned  to  the  foe, 

And  reeled  as  if  beneath  a  crushing  blow. 

The  allies  caught  the  panic  as  they  fled. 

And  through  their  ranks  confusion  quickly  spread, 

While  from  the  house-tops  missiles  thickly  flew, 

And  blinded  those  retreating  to  the  view. 

And  hard  it  was  to  single  foe  from  friend, 

While  harder  still  they  found  it  to  defend. 

'T  was  all  in  vain  that  Cortez  cried  aloud 

To  that  excited,  and  retreating  crowd. 

His  voice  was  in  the  stormy  uproar  drowned. 

The  torrent  swept  in  fury  all  around. 

And  all  seemed  lost  indeed  when — lo  ! — he  heard 

Approaching  sounds  that  all  his  feelings  stirred. 

The  tramp  of  horses,  swiftly  drawing  near, 

Fell  like  enchanting  music  on  his  ear. 

And,  with  delight,  he  saw  the  troop  advance, 

And  deal  destruction  with  the  sword,  and  lance. 

They   charged   where   they   their   foemen  thickest 

found. 
And  trampled  them  by  hundreds  on  the  ground. 


288  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

While  they  with  terror  all  the  Aztecs  filled, 

And    strewed    their   path   with    wounded,  and   the 

killed ; 
For  though  so  few,  gigantic  they  appeared 
To  those  who  horse  and  rider  doubly  feared. 
With  superstitious,  and  o'erwhelming  dread, 
They    from    their    fierce     assailants    turned,    and 

fled, 
And  panic  through  the  Aztec  legions  spread. 
Then  Cortez  rallied  his  retreating  troops. 
Formed  into  battle-line  disordered  groups, 
And  joined  his  horsemen  in  a  swift  pursuit. 
The  Aztecs  with  a  mighty  yell,  and  hoot, 
Rushed  through  the  temple  gates  in  wild  retreat, 
And  in  confusion  down  the  stately  street, 
While  Cortez,  in  possession  of  the  square,* 
Recaptured  all  the  guns  he'd  planted  there. 

The  hour  of  vespers  had  already  come. 

And  from  the  trumpet,  and  resounding  drum. 

There  sounded  the  loud  summons  to  return. 

In  this  the  army  safety  could  discern, 

For   night  would  soon   o'ertake  them,  and  't  were 

vain 
To  longer  in  the  battling  throng  remain. 
The  Aztecs  followed  as  they  marched  away, 
And  left  them  disappointed  of  their  prey, 
And  filled  the  air  with  cries,  and  bowlings  wild, 
When  toward  the  dike,  in  order,  they  defiled ; 
But  all  their  missiles  failed  to  turn  the  tide, 
And  Spain  again  all  Mexico  defied. 
The  camp  at  Xoloc  was  regained  at  length. 
And  wearied  Nature  sought  in  slumber  strength. 


*  The  tianguez. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  289 

VII. 

In  Tenochtitlan  rage,  alarm,  and  gloom, 

This  shadow  of  a  dark,  impending  doom, 

Stirred  all  the  city  to  its  inmost  core  ; 

And  Quahtemozin's  heart,  with  grief,  was  sore. 

Of  what  avail  had  his  defences  been. 

The  Valley's  Queen,*  from  fresh  assault,  to  screen  ? 

Surprise,  and  disappointment,  he  expressed, 

But  patriotic  ardor  warmed  his  breast. 

He  still  would  battle  to  defeat  the  foe, 

Nor  cease  to  fight  while  he  could  strike  a  blow. 

Deep  consternation  through  the  city  spread. 

While  all  the  country  round  was  filled  with  dread, 

And  some  who  unto  him  before  were  true — f 

The  chiefs  of  places  distant  to  his  view — 

Now  to  his  foes,  for  friendship,  sent  to  sue. 

Thus  undermining,  more,  and  more,  his  throne, 

And  leaving  him,  the  more,  to  fight  alone. 

While  adding  fuel  to  Invasion's  fire. 

And  heaping  up — alas ! — disasters  dire. 

VIII. 

Tezcuco's  prince  %  and  fifty  thousand  braves. 
Prepared  for  battle,  fearless  of  their  graves. 
Now  joined  the  camp  of  Cortez  on  the  dike. 
"  Such  hosts,"  he  cried,  "  must  conquer  when  they 

strike ! " 
To  each  division  he  assigned  a  third, 

*  Tenochtitlan,  or  the  city  of  Mexico. 

t  The  territory  of  Xochimilco,  and  several  tribes  of  Oto- 
mies,  dwelling  on  the  western  confines  of  the  valley,  among 
others. 

%  Ixtlilxochitl,  who  had  been  placed  on  the  throne  of  Tez- 
cuco  by  Cortez. 


290  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  to  this  distribution  none  demurred. 
Then  he  a  fresh  assault,  with  method,  planned, 
By  which  he  hoped  to  triumph  o'er  the  land. 
The  three  divisions  under  his  command 
Were  ordered  to  advance,  before  the  foe 
Had  well  recovered  from  the  latest  blow, 
And  so  along  the  dikes  which  spanned  the  lake 
The  martial  lines  were  seen  their  way  to  take. 
The  three  long  causeways  Quahtemozin  eyed. 
And  o'er  this  fresh  invasion  sadly  sighed. 
Yet  to  resist  it  all  his  forces  massed. 
Determined  to  do  battle  to  tlie  last, 
And  urged  his  troops  to  conquer,  or  to  die. 
And  ne'er  from  Spain's  invading  host  to  fly. 

IX. 

'Twas  with  dismay  that  Cortez  saw  the  foe 
Had  cleared  the  breaches  of  the  wreck  below,* 
And  through  them  left  the  floods  again  to  flow. 
While  each  one,  as  before,  was  fortified. 
And  held  by  troops,  who  bravely  his  defied. 
Once  more  all  o'er  the  work  had  to  be  done, 
But  breach  by  breach,  the  path  was  slowly  won. 
The  brigantines  assisting  on  each  side, 
And  firing  till  the  foe  had  fled,  or  died. 
■'Twas  afternoon  ere  all  the  gaps  were  gained, 
And  all  alike  with  blood  were  deeply  stained. 
Then  Cortez  to  the  city  led  the  way. 
His  forces  eager  to  renew  the  fray, 
For  they  like  bloodhounds  were  for  blood  athirst, 
And  deemed  their  foes,  as  infidels,  accurst: 
Yet,  step  by  step,  they  found  their  march  opposed, 

*  About  two-thirds  of  their  number  had  been  thus  restored 
to  their  previous  state  by  the  Aztecs. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  291 

So  well  the  hostile  legions  were  disposed, 

And  with  such  resolution  they  were  armed  ; 

But  death  the  bravest  of  the  brave  disarmed. 

In  anger  Cortez  reached  the  open  square, 

While  cries  of  hate,  and  triumph  filled  the  air. 

The  war-god's  sacred  pyramid  rose  high, 

Beneath  the  splendor  of  the  beaming  sky. 

And  the  low  range  of  palace  buildings  lay  * 

As  when  they  held  all  Mexico  at  bay. 

The  ancient  palace  was  the  nation's  pride. 

Within  whose  walls  great  Montezuma  died. 

And  to  destroy  it  Cortez,  now,  desired. 

"Apply  the  torch  !  "  he  cried,  and  it  was  fired. 

While,  from  within,  the  lurid  flames  escaped. 

The  city  with  a  pall  of  smoke  was  draped, 

And  while  to  ashes  fell  the  blazing  pile, 

The  face  of  Cortez  wore  a  bitter  smile. 

The  burning  ruins,  crashing,  reached  the  ground. 

And  Tenochtitlan  mourned  to  hear  the  sound. 

All  save  the  stone-work  vanished  from  the  view. 

While  clouds  of  dust  far  o'er  the  city  flew. 

The  House  of  Birds,t  which,  too,  adorned  the  square. 

Was  quickly  made  its  fiery  fate  to  share; 

And  all  its  feathered  captives  perished  there. 

Save  some  that  from  their  burning  prisons  broke, 

And    soared    through    the     ascending   flame,    and 

smoke — 
Their  plumage  gay  with  yellow,  red,  and  green — 


*  The  old  palace  of  Axayacatl,  formerly  the  Spanish  bar- 
racks. 

t  It  was  a  light  and  elegant  buildhig,  of  wood  and  bamboo, 
standing  near  Montezuma's  palace  on  the  side  of  the  square 
which  was  opposite  to  the  barrack-palace  just  destroyed,  and 
contrasting  with  the  heavy  stone  buildings  around.  It  con- 
tained specimens  of  all  the  richly-plum  aged  birds  found  in  and 
near  Mexico. 


292  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Then  hovered  far  above  the  troubled  scene,' 
And,  screaming,  to  their  native  forests,  fled, 
Of  man,  and  fresh  captivity,  in  dread. 

With  horror,  and  chagrin,  the  Aztecs  gazed 

Upon  the  buildings  as  they  brightly  blazed, 

And  hatred  into  savage  fury  swelled 

As  they,  their  foes,  the  Tlascalans,  beheld. 

The  work  of  desolation  urging  on  ; 

And  with  them  fighting,  as  if  both  were  one. 

Their  neighbors  the  Tezcucans,  forward  led 

By  one  of  yore  in  Tenochtitlan  bred,"* 

"  False-hearted  traitor  !  "  from  the  roofs,  they  cried, 

"  Who  thus  would  fight  on  the  invaders'  side  ! 

False  to  thy  country,  to  thy  race  untrue. 

For  ever  hide  thy  visage  from  the  view  ! " 

But  taunts  like  these,  though  full  of  wrath  and  gall, 

Seemed  lightly  on  the  chieftain's  ear  to  fall, 

And  he  his  way  with  resolution  held. 

Though  kinsmen   round  him — "  Traitor  !  traitor  !  "* 

yelled. 
Ambition  had  his  love  of  country  killed. 
And,  by  success,  remorse  in  him  was  stilled. 
His  aim  was  now  fresh  infamy  to  earn. 
It  was,  he  knew,  too  late  to  backward  turn. 

X. 

In  vain  the  havoc  Cortez  wrought  was  done  : — 
No  triumph,  by  the  flames,  his  arms  had  won. 
His  foes  were  lashed  to  fury  by  the  fire. 
And  meditated  vengeance,  deep,  and  dire, 
And  hurled  their  missiles  with  still  deeper  hate, 
At  those  who  came  to  burn,  and  desecrate. 

*  The  young  prince  Ixtlilxochitl. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO,         .       293 

The  Spanish  leader,  disappointed,  sighed 

To  see  how  boldly  ihey  his  arms  defied. 

And  gave  the  trumpet-signal  to  retreat. 

For  dying  day  was  speeding  night  to  meet. 

The  Aztecs  on  his  army  wildly  sprang, 

And  loudly  through  the  air  their  voices  rang, 

As  toward  the  causeway  the  invaders  turned, 

And  madly  they  for  Spain's  destruction  yearned. 

They  closely  followed  the  receding  rear. 

And  bravely  fought  with  arrow,  sling,  and  spear, 

While,  when  the  horsemen  turned  to  drive  them  back. 

They  desperately  parried  each  attack, 

And  tried  to  tear  the  riders  from  their  steeds. 

Not  more  heroic  could  have  been  their  deeds; 

They  gave  their  lives  to  strike  a  single  blow, 

Content  to  die  if  they  could  smite  the  foe. 

They  threw  themselves  beneath  the  horses'  feet, 

The  better,  thus,  the  horsemen  to  defeat. 

And  none  that  night  the  camp  at  Xoloc  gained 

Whose  garments  by  his  wounds  had  not  been  stained. 

XI. 

'T  was  well  that  while  the  conflict  here  was  waged 

The  Aztecs,  at  the  dikes  were,  too,  engaged, 

Where  Sandoval,  and  Alvarado  fought — 

But,  vainly,  to  advance  to  Cortez  sought — 

For,  thus  divided,  Cortez  found  his  foe 

Less  able  to  inflict  a  deadly  blow. 

Yet  Cortez  though  so  savagely  assailed — 

While  to  induce  surrender  he  had  failed — 

Determined  to  continue  his  attacks. 

Nor  for  a  day  his  enterprise  relax. 

The  morning  saw  his  troops  advance,  in  force ; 

The  evening  saw  them  backward  take  their  course, 

And,  under  cover  of  the  shades  of  night, 


294  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  Aztecs  labored  with  persistent  might 
To  clear  the  breaches  the  invaders  filled, 
And  new  defences  on  their  banks  to  build.* 
Thus  o'er,  and  o'er  again,  the  work  was  done, 
And  neither  seemed  a  triumph  to  have  won. 
The  three  divisions  daily  tried  to  meet, 
But  all  their  efforts  ended  in  retreat. 
In  vain  they  rest,  in  storm  and  darkness,  sought: 
By  night  as  well  as  day  the  Aztecs  fought.f 
The  three  divisions  were,  at  once,  assaile<]. 
And  neither  side,  in  making  havoc,  failed. 
The  day  and  night  alike  were  battle-stained, 
And  yet  no  conquest  the  invaders  gained. 
The  bleak,  and  rainy,  season  of  the  year  % 
Afforded  little  that  the  heart  could  cheer, 
As  shelterless  the  troops  in  camp  reposed. 
And  on  their  arms  their  weary  eyelids  closed ; 
Prepared  to  rise  to  Battle's  trumpet  call. 
And  into  line,  with  martial  ardor,  fall. 
Three  months  of  stern  privation,  toil,  and  strife,  § 


*  Alvarado  guarded  the  breaches  in  the  dike  he  occupied 
at  night,  and  so  saved  this  endless  labor,  but  Cortez  said  that 
this  duty  was  beyond  the  strength  of  men  engaged  in  such 
arduous  service  during  the  day  as  were  those  of  his  own 
division.  . 

t  This  was  contrary  to  the  previous  habits  of  the  Aztecs. 
Their  forces  moved  at  night  from  different  points  in  concert, 
at  the  signal  of  a  beacon-fire,  or  the  war-god's  drum. 

%  From  July  to  September. 

§  Prescott  says  that  the  surface  of  the  causeways,  flooded 
by  the  storms,  and  broken  up  by  the  constant  movement  of 
large  bodies  of  men,  was  converted  into  a  quagmire,  which 
added  inconceivably  to  the  distresses  of  the  army.  Diaz,  who 
served  in  Alvarado's  division,  remarks : 

"  Through  the  long  night  we  kept  our  dreary  watch,  neither 
wind,  nor  wet,  nor  cold  availing  anything.  There  we  stood, 
smarting  from  the  wounds  received  in  the  fight  of  the  pre- 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  295 

While    in    their    ranks    disease,    and    death   were 

rife — 
Thus,  on  the  causeways,  slowly  passed  away, 
And  Mexico  still  held  them  all  at  bay; 
But  Famine,  by  degrees,  was  stealing  in, 
And,  in  the  end,  its  victory  would  win. 
Already  'twould  have  devastation  wrought 
Had  not  canoes  the  country's  products  brought 
By  stealth,  in  darkness,  from  the  friendly  shore — 
A  source  which,  now,  would  yield,  but  little  more. 
For  as  th*e  country  round  renounced  its  sway 
This  succor,  with  its  sources,  passed  away : 
But  though  the  ancient  trunk  its  branches  lost — 
Nipped  by  Invasion's  blight,  and  killing  frost — 
It  still  defied  the  storm  that  raged  around. 
And— firmly  rooted — bravely  held  its  ground. 

Not  only  on  the  land  the  contest  raged. 

For  war  upon  the  water,  too,  was  waged. 

Where  stratagem  supplied  the  place  of  force — 

In  Aztec  arms  a  favorite  resource. 

Thus,  once  in  ambuscade  canoes  were  laid. 

Where  reedy  thickets  hid  them  in  their  shade. 

While  piles  were  driven  in  the  shallows  near ; 

Then  boats  decoyed  the  brigantines,  that  here 

Became  entangled  in  the  trap  below. 

When  from  the  ambush  shot  the  angry  foe. 

And  on  the  brigantines  fell  blow  on  blow. 

Nigh    all    on    board    were    wounded;    some    were 

slain, 
And  Cortez  heard  the  tidings,  sad,  with  pain. 

vious  day.  In  short  so  unintermitting  were  our  engage- 
ments, both  by  day  and  by  night,  during  the  three  months 
we  lay  before  the  capital,  that  to  recount  them  all  would 
make  the  reader  fancy  he  was  perusing  the  incredible  feats  of 
a  knight-errant  of  romance." 


296  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO, 

XII. 

The  cities,  which  had  Spain's  protection  sought, 

Now,  to  his  camp  their  warlike  legions  brought,  * 

Who  bravely  with  their  brother  allies  fought. 

And  at  each  dike,  like  demons,  havoc  wrought. 

Supplies  were  gathered  from  the  country  round, 

And  in  abundance  maize,  and  fruits  were  found. 

The  allies  oft — if  history  be  true — 

Their  bodies  nourished  with  the  foes  they  slew, 

While  in  the  ancient  city  Aztecs  ate 

The  immolated  victims  of  their  hate  ; 

And  this  with  holy  zeal,  and  solemn  show. 

For  their  religion — woeful ! — taught  them  so.  f 

Alas  !  that  stain  so  foul,  on  face  so  fair. 

Should  e'er  have  marred  the  lines  of  beauty  there. 

The  storm  around  the  city  gathered  force. 
But  Quahtemozin  swerved  not  from  his  course, 
And  with  undaunted  courage  faced  the  foe, 
Resolved  to  rise  or  fall  with  Mexico. 
He  saw  his  vassals  to  the  stranger  turn — 
The  sway  of  their  declining  empire  spurn  ; 
He  saw  his  city  wasted  day  by  day. 
His  armies  decimated  by  the  fray. 
And  night  illumined  by  the  glaring  light 
Of  burning  buildings — an  appalling  sight; 

*To  the  number,  according  to  Cortez,  of  a  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand. 

t  The  Aztecs  did  not,  however,  partake  of  human  flesh  to 
gratify  a  depraved  animal  appetite,  but  in  obedience  to  the 
behests  of  their  religion,  and  their  cannibal  repasts  were  con- 
fined to  the  bodies  of  those  who  had  perished  on  the  altar  of 
sacrifice  at  the  hands  of  the  priests,  who  having  gashed  their 
prostrate  victims'  breasts  with  a  sharp  razor,  inserted  their 
hands  and  drew  forth  the  quivering  hearts,  which  they  held 
aloft  to  the  Sun. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  297 

He  Pestilence,  and  Famine,  saw  advance. 
Each  armed,  by  Death,  with  a  destroying  lance. 
But  all  the  horrors  of  the  siege  grew  dim 
In  his  fierce  hatred  of  his  foemen,  grim. 
That  hatred  served  to  fire  the  drooping  heart, 
To  wing  the  arrow,  and  to  point  the  dart. 
And  Quahtemozin,  still,  for  vengeance  cried, 
And  all  the  legions  of  his  foe  defied. 

XIII. 

Impatience  in  the  Spanish  camp  prevailed. 

While  all,  the  rigors  of  the  siege,  bewailed. 

And  deemed  their  lot  was  harder  than  the  foe's. 

"  Cut  short,"  they  cried  to  Cortez,  "these  our  woes. 

And  let  us  in  the  city  deal  our  blows — 

There  have  our  camp,  and  nightly  court  repose  ; 

Our  conquest  sooner  we  can  there  achieve, 

And  gladly  we  these  roofless  dikes  will  leave." 

To  please  his  comrades  Cortez  gave  assent, 

And  with  rejoicing  cheers  the  air  was  rent. 

"  Prepare  ye  then  to  make  a  grand  attack. 

And  if  ye,  to  the  dikes,  are  driven  back, 

Lay  not  to  me,  but  to  yourselves,  the  fault 

Of  making  what  I  deem  a  rash  assault. 

Advance  not  where  ye  cannot  well  retreat. 

For  Aztec  foemen,  as  ye  know,  are  fleet ; 

Fill  all  the  gaps,  and  breaches,  as  ye  go. 

And  stand  prepared  for  ev'ry  sudden  blow. 

The  three  divisions  will  together  strike, 

And  each  in  concert  move  along  its  dike,* 

All  aiming  in  the  market-place  to  meet. 

And  resolute  the  heathen  to  defeat ! " 


*  Sandoval  was,  however,  ordered  to  remove  most  of  his 
forces  from  the  northern  causeway,  and  join  Alvarado. 


298  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Thus  Cortez  spoke,  and  dawned  ere  long  the  day 
On  which  his  troops  were  marshalled  for  the  fray. 
The  ne'er  omitted  morning  Mass  was  said 
Ere  they  were  forward,  to  the  city,  led. 
The  brigantines  advancing  at  their  side, 
With  native  boats  which  through  canals  could  glide, 
All  armed,  and  manned,  to  pierce  that  city's  heart, 
And  through  its  water  highways  swifdy  dart. 

The  suburbs,  which  had  oft  with  gore  been  stained, 
In  safety  by  the  Spanish  chief  were  gained. 
Thence  to  the  market  square  *  three  roads  appeared. 
And,  quickly,  into  these  a  way  was  cleared. 
Thus  one  division  into  three  was  formed. 
While  stones,  and  arrows,  on  the  army  stormed. 
On  either  side  the  widest  road  there  ran 
A  deep  canal,  of  nigh  as  great  a  span. 
And  through  it  breaches,  here  and  there,  were  made. 
Through  which  the  troops,  advancing,  had  to  wade. 
For  all  the  bridges  had  been  torn  away. 
The  movements  of  the  army  to  delay. 
The  squadron  that  along  this  road  defiled  f 
Grew  with  success,  and  carnage,  rash  and  wild, 
And,  like  the  wind,  pursued  the  flying  foe. 
While  the  canoes  to  follow  were  not  slow. 
They  paused  not  bridgeless  breaches  to  repair. 
Nor  deemed  how  soon  they'd  prove  a  fatal  snare  : 
They  only  cared  to  reach  the  market  square. 
Of  all  their  comrades  in  advance  they  swept, 
And  ev'ry  gap  they  found  they  swam,  or  leapt. 
The  goal  for  which  they  longed  was  nearly  gained, 
And  each  canal  with  Aztec  blood  was  stained, 

*  The  Square  of  Tlatelolco,  the  largest  open  space  in  the 
city,  and  the  market  for  its  supplies. 

t  This  was  commanded  by  Alderete,  the  royal  treasurer,  an 
officer  of  much  distinction. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO,  299 

When  Cortez,  who  another  squadron  led, 
Was  by  this  rapid  movement  filled  with  dread. 
He,  as  he  went,  had  all  the  breaches  closed, 
^ut  those  in  whom  he'd  confidence  reposed 
Did  not,  he  feared,  this  weighty  duty  heed. 
Why  fled  the  foe  with  such  uncommon  speed, 
If  not  his  forces  to  destruction  lead  ? 
Surprise,  and  stratagem,  might  havoc  work. 
And  in  success,  disaster  here  might  lurk. 
His  troops  were  halted,  while  he  crossed  to  view 
The  dike-like  street,  so  swiftly  hurried  through. 
There — to  his  consternation — operi  lay 
The  breaches,  left  unclosed  to  save  delay. 
A  chasm,  wide,  his  further  progress  stayed. 
While  by  a  sudden  sound  he  stood  dismayed. 
'T  was  of  a  distant  conflict,  loud  and  fierce. 
Which  seemed  alike  the  earth  and  sky  to  pierce, 
And  yells,  and  war-cries,  o'er  the  clamor  rose. 
The  Aztecs — lo  ! — had  turned  upon  their  foes. 
And  toward  the  breach  the  tide  of  battle  rolled. 
There  Cortez  stood,  and  with  him  some  as  bold, 
Who  strove  the  breach  to  fill,  but  strove  in  vain 
Ere  he  beheld  with  growing  fear  and  pain, 
A  rushing,  roaring  multitude  advance. 
He  read  the  dreadful  story  at  a  glance. 
Just  then  the  blast  of  Quahtemozin's  horn 
Awoke  the  echoes  of  the  tragic  morn, 
And  seemed  with  savage  fury  hosts  to  fire. 
Who  wreaked  on  the  invaders  vengeance,  dire. 
On  came  the  Spanish  troops  in  headlong  haste, 
By  countless  maddened  Aztecs  hotly  chased. 
All  surging  in  the  battle's  deadly  throes. 
And,  mingled  in  confusion,  friends,  and  foes. 
Fresh  Atzec  legions  poured  upon  the  scene, 
And  none  more  stormy  Cortez  e'er  had  seen ; 
But  bravely,  with  his  comrades,  at  the  breach 


30O  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

He  stood  a  helping  hand,  across,  to  reach, 

And  horror-stricken  at  the  waste  of  life 

Involved  in  this,  to  him,  disastrous  strife. 

He  saw  his  soldiers'  blows  at  random  fell,    . 

While  their  assailants  made  their  weapons  tell, 

And  from  the  house-tops  blinding  volleys  flew, 

And  many  of  the  flying  squadron  slew. 

Who  in  their  rout  each  other  trampled  low, 

And,  like  a  torrent,  flew  before  the  foe. 

Into  the  chasm  *  plunged  the  foremost  files — 

The  victims  of  the  Aztecs'  fatal  wiles — 

And  one  another  trod  beneath  the  flood. 

Which  soon  was  crimsoned  with  their  ebbing  blood. 

Some  strove,  but  vainly,  o'er  the  gulf  to  swim. 

While  some  reeled  backward  from  the  chasm's  brim, 

Or  from  its  glassy,  and  deceptive,  tide, 

And  in  its  troubled  waters,  mangled,  died  ; 

Some  over  heaps  of  fallen  comrades  passed, 

And  some  into  the  foes'  canoes  were  cast. 

And  to  the  fanes,  in  triumph,  borne  away 

For  immolation — yea,  Mexitli's  prey. 

But  at  the  breach  still  Cortez  stood,  to  save. 

And  rescued  hundreds  from  a  yawning  grave, 

And  many  from  the  captive's  awful  fate. 

While  striving  hard  the  panic  to  abate.f 

Yet  vainly  to  the  fugitives  he  called  ; 

They  fled,  confused,  distracted,  and  appalled. 

Darts,  stones,  and  arrows  thickly  fell  around. 

But  these  no  entrance  in  his  armor  found. 

And  from  his  polished  helmet  glanced  aside. 

*  It  was  ten  or  twelve  paces  wide,  and  filled  with  water,  at 
least  two  fathoms  deep,  by  which  communication  was  estab- 
lished between  the  canals  on  either  side  of  the  dike-like  road- 
way. 

t  The  breach  at  this  spot  was,  subsequently,  named  by  Cor- 
tez the  puente  ctiidada,  or  sorrowful  bridge. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  301 

At  length — "  Malinche  !     See  !  "  the  Aztecs  cried, 
And  held  two  gory  Spanish  heads  in  view, 
While  "  Sandoval !  "  and  "  Alvarado  !  "  too, 
They  shouted  as  their  trophies  they  displayed, 
And  signs  that  boih  had  perished  thus  they  made, 
Which  blanched  the  cheek  of  Cortez  as  he  gazed, 
Alarmed,  defiant,  wond'ring  and  amazed. 
Then  rushed  they  on  him,  like  a  hungry  wolf, 
And  dragged  him  down  into  the  fatal  gulf, 
And  strove  to  place  him  in  a  war-canoe. 
To  succor  him — his  faithful  comrades  flew. 
And  in  the  struggle,  fierce,  their  weapons  drew. 
With  sword,  and  lance,  they  ran  assailants  through. 
But  for  the  contest  they  were  nigh  too  few. 
Lo  !  o'er  his  wounded,  and  his  prostrate  form, 
Those  heroes  fought  amid  the  deadly  storm. 
And  rescued  him,  at  last,  from  Death's  embrace — 
A  sign,  to  them,  of  sanctifying  grace — 
Though  of  their  number  some  there  were  who  fell — 
Slain,  captured,  wounded — where  they  strove  so  well. 
A  steed  was  brought  to  Cortez,  and  he  rode 
Along  the  miry  and  the  crowded  road. 
Pursued,  on  either  side,  by  war-canoes. 
And  pelted  by  the  volleys  from  their  crews. 
Who  captured  all  that  stumbled  down  the  slope, 
And  these  forever  bade  adieu  to  hope. 
But  one,  who  held  the  banner  of  Castile, 
Plied  with  such  havoc  his  destroying  steel 
As,  from  their  clutches,  freedom  to  regain, 
And  shun  the  horrors  of  the  war-god's  fane, 
While  with  him  he  his  country's  standard  bore — 
A  tattered  rag,  bespattered  with  their  gore.* 
A  cry  of  disappointed  rage  arose 


*  This  was  the  ensign,  Corral,  who  had  sHpped  down  into 
the  canal. 


302  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

At  that  glad  moment  from  his  baffled  foes, 
For  in  the  flag  they  saw,  with  longing  eyes, 
A  priceless  trophy,  and  a  splendid  prize. 

At  length  the  open  city  Cortez  gained. 

And  to  his  warlike  purpose  true  remained. 

Behind  the  loud  artillery  he  stood, 

And  backward  forced  the  wild,  pursuing  flood. 

And  made  the  roadway  red,  with  Aztec  blood. 

Then  rallied  he  his  broken  files,  in  haste, 

And  with  his  horsemen,  brave,  his  foemen  faced,  * 

And  gave  the  trumpet-signal  to  retreat. 

To  linger  would,  he  knew,  bring  worse  defeat, 

But  he  would  yet  the  tide  of  triumph  turn, 

And  from  the  day's  disaster  wisdom  learn. 

XIV. 

To  Sandoval,  and  Alvarado — two 

As  brave  commanders  as  e'er  weapons  drew — 

He  sent  the  dismal  tidings  of  the  day. 

And  bade  them  to  their  causeways  speed  away ; 

But  they  already  moved  in  full  retreat, 

For,  like  their  comrades,  they  had  met  defeat. 

All  with  their  arms  that  morn  had  prospered  well 

Till  Quahtemozin's  horn — a  startling  knell — 

Upon  their  senses  from  the  temple  fell. 

Then,  though  their  goal — the  market  square — was 

near. 
And    though   they  heard    their    distant    comrades 

cheer. 
Their  instincts  told  them  they  had  much  to  fear, 
And  ere  the  signal's  echoes  died  away, 
They  heard  the  sound  of  an  appalling  fray, 

*  The  cavalry  had  not  been  previously  brought  into  action- 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  303 

While,  with  redoubled  fury,  on  them  rose 
Their  erst  retreating  multitude  of  foes. 
The  struggle  lasted  till  the  distant  roar 
Grew  faint  as  surf  upon  a  stormy  shore ; 
When,  sudden  as  the  lightning,  legions  new 
Broke,  like  a  flood,  upon  their  troubled  view, 
And  rushing  forward  cried  "  Malinch^'s  dead  !  ** 
And  on  the  pavement  threw  a  gory  head. 
Then  sweeping,  in  a  torrent,  down  the  street, 
Compelled  an  instantaneous  retreat, 
And  followed  in  pursuit,  with  savage  hate, 
Like  an  avenging  Nemesis  of  fate  ; 
Till  back  upon  the  dikes  their  foes  retired, 
And  from  intrenchments  there  their  cannon  fired, 
Which  swept  the  causeways,  while  the  brigantines 
Performed  the  part  they  played  in  former  scenes. 
The  Aztecs,  from  the  guns,  once  more  recoiled. 
And  felt  themselves  for  further  havoc  foiled. 

XV. 

The  while  the  troops  of  Cortez  in  retreat, 
Again  the  causeway  felt  beneath  their  feet, 
While  the  pursuing  legions  here,  at  last. 
Before  the  ships,  and  cannon,  stood  aghast, 
And  those  who  ventured  on  the  dike  were  slain — 
Cut  down  as,  by  the  sickle,  is  the  grain. 
On  high,  in  noonday  splendor,  shone  the  sun. 
And  yet  so  much,  that  morning,  had  been  done. 

Dejected,  Cortez  to  Marina  turned. 
For  wisdom  rare  in  her  he'd  oft  discerned. 
"Alas!  Marina,"  mournfully  he  spoke, 
"  To  all  your  truths  I  have  at  last  awoke. 
These  Aztecs  are  unyielding  as  the  grave, 
And  of  our  allies  none  are  half  so  brave. 


304  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

'T  were  vain  to  hope  the  city,  now,  to  save. 

Ere  we  can  conquer,  we  must  raze  it  low. 

And  bring  to  ashes  haughty  Mexico  ! 

This  grieves  me  much,  for  I  would  gladly  spare 

The  structures  of  a  capital  so  fair. 

But,  for  the  present,  I  must  linger  here. 

And  look  to  thee  for  solace,  help,  and  cheer. 

My  wounds  oppress  me,  and  demand  repose. 

'T  is  well  to  rest  from  combat  for  awhile. 

And  bask — how  fondly  ! — in  thy  sunny  smile." 

Then  to  the  camp  there  came,  with  flying  speed. 

Well  mounted  on  his  faithful,  foaming  steed. 

The  brave,  heroic  Sandoval  we  know. 

Who  ne'er  deserted  friend,  or  shrank  from  foe. 

He  came  the  tidings,  sad,  to  glean,  and  tell. 

And  learn  if  all  had  gone,  with  Cortez,  well. 

The  Aztec  hosts  had  cried  that  he  wns  slain, 

And  through  the  army  went  a  thrill  of  pain. 

"  Don  Sandoval,"  said  Cortez  to  his  friend, 

"  You  to  the  army,  while  I  rest,  attend, 

For  Alvarado  is  I  fear  too  brave. 

And  I  would  save  him  from  a  captive's  grave. 

These  wounds  of  mine  have  crippled  me  so  sore. 

That  1  can  battle,  ere  they  heal,  no  more. 

Our  losses  have  been  heavy,  for  the  foe 

Struck,  in  his  fury,  a  destructive  blow, 

And  sixty-two  Castilians,  alive. 

Now  in  the  temple  with  their  captors  hive, 

Besides  a  multitude  of  allies,  bold; 

While  killed,  and  maimed,  in  numbers  yet  untold. 

Fill  up  the  measure  of  our  sore  reverse ; 

Yet  though  so  bad  it  might  have  ended  worse.* 


*Two  field-pieces  and  seven  horses  also  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  Aztecs  on  this  occasion. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  305 

*T  was  through  a  comrade's  rashness  all  was  done.* 

We  but  for  this  a  triumph  might  have  won. 
Still  all  is  not  by  this  disaster  lost, 
Though  much  in  life,  and  prestige,  it  has  cost. 
We,  by  these  dikes,  the  city  still  command, 
And  Conquest,  yet,  will  give  us  all  the  land ! 
So  cheer  thee  up,  my  brave,  heroic  friend : 
The  Lord  of  Hosts  his  servants  will  defend. 
For  are  we  not  crusaders  of  the  Cross, 
Whose  death  would  be  the  great  Jehovah's  loss  t  " 
Then  to  his  camp  the  rider  hurried  back. 
And,  as  he  went,  he  braved  each  scout's  attack. 
The  sun  still  shone  above  the  western  heights. 
Recalling  days  of  joy,  and  past  delights, 
And  o'er  the  splendid  valley  poured  his  beams, 
And  made  the  temples  gay  with  golden  gleams, 
While  all  the  towers  glistened  in  his  light. 
The  city  lay  calm,  beautiful,  and  bright, 
Contrasting  with  the  sable  scenes  of  strife, 
Which  but  that  morn,  within  it,  were  so  rife. 
The  sun  sank  lower  in  the  golden  west; 
The  time  drew  near  for  vespers,  and  for  rest, 
And  far,  and  wide,  a  tranquil  silence  reigned. 
As  if  o'er  all  Queen  Peace  had  sway  regained, 
When  suddenly  was  heard  that  awful  sound, 
The  war-god's  drum,  which  rang  the  valley  round. 
The  horrors  of  the  past  were  all  recalled, 
And  nigh  the  boldest  of  the  bold  appalled. f 
The  startled  soldiers  to  the  temple  turned. 
And  winding  up  its  mighty  sides  discerned 


*  Alderete,  the  royal  treasurer,  who  commanded  the  squad- 
ron between  the  canals. 

t  This  was  the  second  time  the  great  drum  was  heard  by  the 
Spaniards,  the  only  other  occasion  being  that  of  the  noche 
triste. 


3o6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

A  long  procession — for  the  air  was  clear, 

And  distant  figures  seemed  like  objects  near.* 

Some  solemn  act  of  Aztec  faith,  they  knew 

Was  now  transpiring  there,  within  their  view. 

They  needed  not  the  captives,  stripped,  and  white — 

To  them  a  galling,  and  impressive  sight — 

To  tell  them  of  their  comrades'  mournful  plight, 

And  of  the  scene  of  sacrifice  so  drear. 

The  thought  of  which,  from  many,  drew  a  tear. 

They  saw  the  captives,  urged  along  by  blows, 

And  made  to  dance  in  concert  with  their  foes. 

They  saw  them  laid  on — one  by  one — the  stone, 

And,  in  imagination,  heard  them  groan 

As,  from  their  breasts,  their  bleeding  hearts  were 

torn. 
'T  was  sad  to  see  those  war-worn  heroes  mourn 
As  they  beheld  their  fellow-soldiers'  fate, 
Nor  knew  when  such  might  e'en  themselves,  await. 
Each  reeking  heart  was  on  the  altar  laid, 
While  round  it  gory  priests,  with  fervor,  prayed 
Before  their  idol,  gorgeously  arrayed — 
The  image  of  the  Mars  of  Mexico — 
Mexitli,  fatal  to  both  friend,  and  foe.f 
To  depths  below  the  mangled  forms  were  thrown. 
Where  fierce  fanatics  claimed  them  for  their  own, 
And  made  a  solemn  feast  of  their  remains, 
In  honor  of  their  deity,  and  fanes. 

The  Aztecs  near  the  dikes,  united,  rose. 
With  frantic  fury,  to  destroy  their  foes. 
When  they  the  distant  spectacle  beheld. 


*  Alvarado's  camp  was  hardly  a  mile  irom  the  city. 

t  It  was  a  part  of  the  religious  duty  of  the  Mexicans  to  sac- 
rifice their  own  people  on  certain  occasions,  as  well  as  their 
captured  enemies,  at  the  shrine  of  the  war-god. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  307 

And  wildly  charged,  while  they  as  madly  yelled. 
"  Death,  thus,  to  all  our  enemies  I "  they  cried, 
And,  sweeping  on,  the  Spanish  hosts  defied, 
But  these,  not  unprepared  for  their  attack, 
With  muskets,  guns,  and  arrows  drove  them  back, 
And,  while  the  cannon  thundered  in  the  air. 
The  Mexicans,  abandoned  to  despair, 
Retreated — mangled — in  their  camp  to  grieve. 
And  schemes  of  vengeance,  in  the  future,  weave. 


PART  ELEVENTH. 

I. 

There  followed  now,  five  weary,  strifeless  days, 

Save  when  the  Aztecs  turned  from  hymns  of  praise 

To  make  a  sortie  on  their  tranquil  foes, 

Who  sought,  in  peace,  the  healing  balm  repose. 

The  Mexicans,  elated  with  success, 

The  while  arrayed  themselves  in  gala  dress. 

And  feasted,  danced,  and  sung  the  time  away, 

And  with  rejoicing  made  the  city  gay. 

But  this  glad  jubilee,  to  Spanish  eyes, 

Was  like  a  flame  that  flickers  ere  it  dies. 

II. 

Within  the  war-god's  fane,  the  highest  priest 

Predicted,  as  he  closed  the  solemn  feast — 

To  cheer  the  monarch,  and  his  soldiers,  brave — 

That  naught  could,  now,  the  Spanish  forces  save, 

And  that  Mexitli  ere  eight  days  were  o^er. 

Would  lead  them  captive,  there  to  fight  no  more — 

Prophetic  words  the  Aztecs  all  believed. 


3o8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  dreamed  of  conquest,  and  of  peace  achieved, 

And  thundered  the  prediction  to  their  foes, 

While  aiming  to  destroy  them  with  their  blows. 

The  oracle's  prediction,  like  a  knell 

Upon  the  native  allies,  fighting,  fell. 

Their  arms  against  their  country's  gods  were  raised. 

They  read  in  all  the  beacon-tires  that  blazed 

The  prophecy  they  felt  would  be  fulfilled. 

What  ground  had  they  on  which  escape  to  build, 

Save  by  retreating  from  this  failing  cause, 

Which  outraged  all  their  liberties,  and  laws  ? 

In  secret  they  resolved  on  speedy  flight. 

And,  under  cover  of  the  shades  of  night, 

They  stole,  in  silence,  from  their  camping-ground, 

And  o'er  the  valley  journeyed,  homeward-bound. 

Thus  troop  by  troop,  deserting,  disappeared 

Before  the  coming  wrath — the  doom  they  feared. 

Few,  now,  of  all  the  allied  host  remained, 

And  o'er  them — blighting  courage — Terror  reigned. 

Tezcuco's  chief,  and  Tlascala's  were  true. 

But  from  their  flags  nigh  all  their  troops  withdrew. 

The  breath  of  superstition,  which  they  felt, 

Seemed,  all  the  fabric  they  had  raised,  to  melt. 

Like  icicles  that  glisten  in  the  sun, 

And  then,  invisibly,  to  water  run. 

The  Spanish  soldiers  saw,  with  sore  dismay, 

The  army  of  their  allies  pass  away — 

The  dusky  troops  on  whom  they'd  long  relied. 

And  by  whose  numbers  they'd  their  foes  defied. 

The  darkest  hour,  before  the  dawn,  had  come. 

And  some  grew  sad,  and  silent  as  the  dumb. 

To  them  the  Spanish  cause  looked  hopeless  now, 

And  to  the  storm  they  stood  prepared  to  bow, 

Like  brave  men  on  a  sinking  ship,  resigned — 

All  at  the  mercy  of  the  sea,  and  wind. 

Their  ammunition,  and  supplies  were  low, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  309 

And  all  around  them,  bristling,  stood  the  foe. 
But,  on  the  prospect,  Cortez  gazed,  serene, 
And  saw  beyond  the  dark  and  troubled  scene. 
The  prophecy  he  treated  with  disdain, 
And  on  the  dikes,  defiant,  would  remain, 
But  those  deserting  thus  he  feared  would  rise 
Ere  long,  against  him,  and  his  enterprise, 
And  so,  to  urge  them  to  return,  and  wait — 
And  boldly  share  the  Spanish  army's  fate, 
Till  the  predicted  time  had  passed  them  by 
And  proved  the  prophecy  a  priestly  lie — 
He  sent  his  trusty  scouts,  who  pleaded  hard, 
And  promised,  from  disaster,  all  to  guard  : 
But  vainly,  now,  those  legions,  they  implored, 
Who  cried — "Alas  !  we  perish  by  the  sword  !  " 

III. 

The  Spanish  arms  were  overcast  by  gloom, 

And  many  saw,  in  sacrifice,  their  doom. 

But  though  by  wounds,  and  ceaseless  vigils,  tried, 

They  steadfastly  all  Mexico  defied. 

The  Aztecs,  by  success,  had  daring  grown. 

And  felt  their  foes,  as  captives,  soon  would  groan  ; 

And  day  by  day,  in  sorties,  they  essayed, 

Through  Spanish  blood,  as  victors  proud,  to  wade, 

And  sprang  like  tigers  to  the  deadly  fray, 

But  ever  by  the  guns  were  held  at  bay. 

Night  after  night  the  pealing  drum  awoke 

The  echoes,  and  the  sleepers,  as  it  spoke 

In  tones  of  thunder,  o'er  the  silent  lake. 

While  captives  round  the  temple's  walls  would  take 

Their  mournful  way  to  sacrifice,  a  fate. 

For  them,  most  horrible  to  contemplate.  * 

*  The  Aztecs  sacrificed  only  a  few  of  their  captives  at  a 


310  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  light  of  countless  torches  on  them  gleamed, 
And  through  the  fiery  glare  the  pageant  seemed 
A  spectacle  of  horror,  born  of  hell, 
Which    made    each    Spanish    breast    with    hatred 

swell, 
As  from  the  camps  the  army  eyed  the  scene 
With  sad  forebodings,  and  with  deep  shagreen. 

IV. 

The  Spanish  army  constant  were,  and  true. 

Nor  faltered  in  the  work  they  had  to  do. 

A  brave  example  husbands  found  in  wives 

Who  in  the  battle's  front  exposed  their  lives — 

Brave  heroines  who  with  the  camp  had  come, 

Prepared  to  follow — with  their  lords— the  drum, 

And  who,  in  time  of  need,  like  men  would  fight. 

And  find,  in  martial  deeds,  a  keen  delight.  * 

'^  We    Spanish   wives    our    husbands    love,"    they 

cried. 
"  In  danger,  duty  calls  us  to  their  side, 
With  them  to  share  it,  and  with  them  abide  ! " 
Oft  one  of  these  her  consort's  armor  wore — 
While  he  by  slumber  would  his  strength  restore — 
And  mounted  guard  where  he  had  stood  before. 
Another,  like  her,  armed  with  sword,  and  lance, 
Once  rallied  routed  squadrons  with  her  glance. 
And  led  them  backward  great  success  to  gain, 
Though  in  the  struggle  she — alas  ! — was  slain. 


time,  and  thus  were  enabled  to  lay  fresh  victims  nightly  on  the 
altar  of  their  war -god.  Guzman,  the  chamberlain  of  Cortez, 
who  was  one  of  the  last  to  perish,  lingered  eighteen  days  in 
captivity. 

*  These  were  Castilian  women,   the  wives  of  soldiers,  who 
had  accompanied  the  expedition  when  it  sailed  from  Cuba. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  311 

V. 

Though  deep  were  their  distresses,  and  their  woes, 
The  Spanish  troops  still  boldly  faced  their  foes ; 
Their   cannon    swept  the  dikes,    and    drove   them 

back, 
With  slaughter,  to  their  camp,  at  each  attack ; 
Still  on  the  lake  their  brigantines  were  seen. 
Nor  more  severe  the  blockade  e'er  had  been  ; 
And  while  fallacious  hopes  the  Aztecs  buoyed, 
They  saw  gaunt  Famine  through  their  army  stride, 
And,  undisputed,  in  their  city  reign — 
A  foe  more  fatal  than  the  arms  of  Spain. 

VI. 

At  length,  the  time  predicted  passed  away, 
And  still  the  Christians  held  their  foes  at  bay. 
For  these  the  prospect  still  more  gloomy  grew ; 
How  false  had  proved  their  oracle,  they  knew. 
Yet  they  for  peace,  nor  quarter  e'er  would  sue, 
But  battle  bravely  to  the  bloody  end, 
And  to  the  last  their  liberties  defend. 
The  chiefs  who  to  the  Spanish  cause  were  true,  * 
Now,  to  their  banners,  the  deserters  drew. 
And  thousands  of  the  allied  host  returned 
When  they  the  priestly  artifice  discerned. 
To  whom  forgiveness  Cortez  freely  gave. 
Though,  as  deserters,  their  offence  was  grave — 
And  welcomed  them,  with  gladness,  to  the  lake, 
Where  lay  the  fortunes  of  the  war  at  stake. 
"  They  come,"  he  cried,  "  as  from  the  silent  land, 
And  here  I  see  an  all-protecting  hand  !  " 


*  The  Tezcucan  and  Tlascalan  chiefs. 


3 1 2  THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  MEXICO. 

His  army  still  was  weak,  but  he  was  bold, 

And  to  his  trusty  comrades  cried,  "  Behold  ! 

Our  distant  allies  for  our  aid  appeal, 

And  though  so  weak,  our  weakness  to  conceal, 

Two  hundred  of  our  bravest  we  can  spare. 

To  them,  the  succor  which  they  need,  to  bear. 

The  Aztec  monarch  has  his  allies  there, 

Who  fain  would  battle  to  restore  his  sway. 

These  we  can  sweep  like  autumn  leaves  awa}'. 

And  when  the  Cross,  and  Crown,  have  won  the  day 

Our  soldiers  can  return,  with  flying  speed. 

To  join  the  camp  where  we  their  valor  need. 

To  Sandoval  this  duty  I  assign. 

And  let  his  days  of  absence  be  but  nine.'^  * 

The  work  was,  as  commanded,  bravely  done. 

The  Spanish  heroes  all  their  battles  won. 

Laid  waste  the  hostile  regions  where  they  fought. 

And  to  the  camp  their  spoils,  and  trophies  brought. 

There  on  their  ears  the  welcome  tidings  fell 

That  with  the  camp  the  while  all  prospered  well, 

And  that  a  vessel  freighted  with  supplies, 

At  Vera  Cruz  had  cheered  the  watchers'  eyes. 

She  erst  for  blooming  Florida  had  sailed, 

But  winds  and  waves  against  her  long  prevailed, 

And  when  this  port  of  refuge  she  had  found. 

No  more  was  she  to  Flora's  region  bound. 

For  she  was  seized,  and  with  her  all  she  brought. 

No  service  she  for  Ponce  de  Leon  wrought. 

Though  all  her  freightage  with  his  purse  was  bought. f 

*  Tapin  was  associated  with  Sandoval  on  this  occasion, 
and  with  two  hundred  and  eight  Spanish  troops,  including 
twenty-eight  cavalry,  about  equally  distributed  between  them, 
they  took  opposite  directions,  and  accomplished  their  pur- 
pose, returning  within  ten  days. 

t  The  vessel  was  one  of  Ponce  de  Leon's  fleet,  and  con- 
tained among  her  cargo  an  abundance  of  powder — what 
Cortez  most  wanted. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  313 

Romantic  knight,  he  cursed  his  luckless  star, 
And  all  who  dared  his  vessel's  course  to  mar: 
But  Cortez  saw  in  this  a  watchful  care, 
And,  with  his  army,  bowed  the  knee  in  prayer, 
Then,  gladly,  with  rejoicings  rent  the  air. 
And  thanked  the  Lord  for  having  sent  her  there, 
(With  powder,  too,  of  which  he  nigh  was  bare). 
*'  His  eye,"  he  cried,  "  is  on  us  everywhere. 
And,  'mid  our  perils,  we  His  mercies  share !  " 

VII. 

'T  was  now,  with  strength  renewed,  that  Cortez  rose 
Again  to  strike  his  sore  beleaguered  foes. 
But  not  as  he  had  struck  in  days  before. 
Where  he  of  yore  had  spared  he'd  spare  no  more. 
"'Tis  with  reluctance,  comrades,"  he  exclaimed. 
As,  to  the  army,  he  his  plans  proclaimed, 
"That  I  decree  the  city,  waste  be  laid. 
For  all  its  walls  against  us  are  arrayed, 
And  all  its  bridges,  and  canals,  are  snares. 
Where  we  may  be  entangled  unawares. 
The  flooded  depths  with  ruins  we  must  fill 
And  raze  the  buildings  with  determined  will. 
Before  advancing  we  must  these  destroy. 
For  thus  alone  can  horse  and  foot  deploy ! 
And  thus  alone  we  can  our  foes  disarm. 
And  leave  them  impotent  for  further  harm. 
Behold  them  still  defiant,  as  of  old — 
Undaunted  by  disaster,  fierce  and  bold  ! 
Such  natures  to  submission  ne'er  will  bend. 
While  strength  is  left  them  still  their  foes  to  rend ; 
Nor  can  misfortunes  crush  them  ere  they  die  : 
They  to  the  last  will  sound  their  battle-cry, 
And   their  young   monarch   peace    and   friendship 
spurns. 


314  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  only  for  our  capture  vainly  yearns, 
All  heedless  of  his  train  of  future  woes, 
And  only  burning  to  destroy  his  foes. 
Alas  !    that  Tenochtitlan,  grand  and  great, 
Should  meet  with  such  a  melancholy  fate, 
And  that  a  trophy,  rich  in  wealth,  and  charms. 
Should  thus  be  lost  to  our  triumphant  arms  ! 
The  stern  necessity  of  war  we  see  : — 
Go  forth,  and  execute  this  hard  decree  I  " 

VIII. 

The  work  of  devastation  then  began. 

And  Cortez  labored,  bravely,  in  the  van. 

To  ruins  fell  the  structures  in  his  way. 

While  raged  around  a  well-contested  fray. 

For  step  by  step  his  progress  was  delayed 

By  squadrons  in  hostility  arrayed. 

Canals,  and  breaches,  turned  to  solid  land, 

Beneath  his  strong,  and  desolating  hand, 

And  all  the  glory  of  the  Valley's  Queen, 

As  he  advanced,  departed  from  the  scene. 

The  ray  of  promise,  which  had  shed  its  light. 

And  filled  the  Aztecs  with  profound  delight, 

Was  now  succeeded  by  the  gloom  of  night. 

More  hopeless  to  their  eyes  the  prospect  seemed 

Because  that  ray  had  for  a  moment  gleamed. 

But  they  with  Hatred  and  Despair  were  armed. 

For  these  not  foes,  nor  Famine,  had  disarmed, 

And  with  the  fury  born  of  passions  wild. 

They  fought,  and,  fighting,  still  those  foes  reviled. 

IX. 

One  effort  more  still  Cortez  yet  would  make, 
The  resolution  of  the  king  to  break. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO,  315 

Three  captured  nobles  he,  as  envoys  sent 
To  beg  that  he'd  to  terms  of  peace  consent, 
And  further  waste  of  life,  and  wealth,  prevent. 
Though  with  reluctance  't  was  that  they  obeyed. 
Their  mission  made  them  of  their  fate  afraid. 
"Tell  him  that  he,"  the  Spanish  chieftain  spoke, 
"  His  evil  fortune  should  no  more  provoke. 
All  that  he  e'er  can  do,  has,  now,  been  done, 
And  yet  behold !  how  soon  will  set  his  sun. 
His  troops  have  bravely  for  their  country  fought, 
Yet  see  to  what  a  pass  at  length  they're  brought ! 
What  hope  for  him,  and  them,  can,  now,  remain  ? 
To  battle  longer  would  be  worse  than  vain. 
He  stands  besieged,  deserted,  and  alone, 
With  all  around  him  hostile  to  his  throne — 
His  ancient  allies  eager  for  his  life. 
Can  he  survive  on  such  a  sea  of  strife  ? 
His  safety  only  in  surrender  lies. 
Has  he  no  feeling  for  what  meets  his  eyes — 
His  dying  people,  and  these  crumbling  walls  ? 
Has  he  no  ear  for  Mercy  when  she  calls } 
Let  him  allegiance  to  this  flag  proclaim, 
And  I  will  greet  him  in  my  sov'reign's  name, 
And  write  Forgiveness  over  all  the  past ; 
But — mark ! — this  proffered  pardon  is  my  last. 
If  'tis,  as  here  I  tender  it,  embraced, 
The  crimes  of  all  the  Aztecs  are  effaced. 
Their  rights  shall  be  respected  as  my  own. 
And  Quahtemozin  still  shall  grace  his  throne ; 
But  if  rejected  woe  be  unto  ye ! 
For  from  impending  doom  ye  ne'er  can  flee  I  " 

The  monarch  heard  the  tale,  with  flashing  eye. 
And  cried — "  Than  thus  surrender,  I  would  die  ! '' 
But  still  he  called  a  council  of  the  wise. 
With  whom  he  had  no  close,  or  kindred,  ties, 


3i6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

To  say  what  course  his  country  should  pursue. 
Like  him  they  to  their  native  land  were  true, 
But  some  to  peace,  and  some  to  war  were  prone. 
And  all  the  priests  said — "  Peace  is  good  we  own. 
But  not  with  these  invaders  of  our  soil. 
Who  come,  alone,  to  vanquish,  and  despoil. 
Let  us  remember  Montezuma's  fate. 
And  how  they  dragged  him  from  his  high  estate, 
And  paved  his  way  with  sorrows — captive,  chained. 
Can  we  forget  how  they  our  shrines  profaned. 
Or  yet  with  slaughter  all  our  city  stained  ? 
They've   stripped  its   treasures  from  our    bleeding 

land, 
And,  now,  surrender,  to  their  arms,  demand. 
No  !  better  it  will  be,  our  gods  to  trust. 
Than  to  be  trampled  deeper  in  the  dust ; 
And  better,  battling  for  our  country,  die. 
Than  with  the  wishes  of  our  foes  comply, 
And  live  henceforth  in  bondage  and  in  pain. 
No  !  we  may  yet  our  native  land  regain  !  " 
*^  Since  this  is  so,"  then  Quahtemozin  cried, 
"  Let  us  to  conquer,  or  to  die,  decide. 
And  ne'er  again  of  base  surrender  speak. 
But  on  our  foes  devouring  vengeance  wreak  ; 
And  if  we  ne'er  can  this  our  empire  save. 
We  still  can  perish  as  becomes  the  brave ! " 

X. 

The  army  on  the  dikes,  in  waiting,  lay 

To  hear  what  Quahtemozin,  now,  would  say, 

And  paused  the  while  from  havoc,  and  the  fray, 

Till — on  the  morning  of  the  second  day — 

The  answer  came,  but  not  in  peaceful  guise : 

And  Cortez  saw  it  with  astonished  eyes. 

'T  was  sudden,  and  intended  to  surprise, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  317 

And  Cortez  cried — "  He  still  our  arms  defies  1  " 

On  came  the  Aztec  forces  vvitli  a  roar 

That  sounded  to  the  lake's  remotest  shore. 

Through  all  the  city's  gates  the  hosts  advanced, 

And  brightly  in  the  sun  their  weapons  glanced. 

On  poured  the  mighty,  and  the  swelling  tide 

Whose  course  'twas  Quahtemozin's  lot  to  guide — 

And  stormed,  with  fury,  the  besieging  foe, 

Who  staggered — as  they  struck — beneath  the  blow. 

By  numbers  overwhelmed  they  seemed  at  last, 

But  still  withstood  the  sortie's  angry  blast ; 

And  from  their  loud-mouthed  cannon  missiles  flew, 

And,  tearing  through  the  masses,  hundreds  slew, 

While  by  each  dike  the  brigantines  were  fought, 

And,  with  their  guns,  rude,  deadly  havoc  wrought. 

The  musketeers  their  volleys  thickly  poured. 

And,  all  around,  the  raging  battle  roared, 

'Mid  clouds  of  smoke  which  o'er  the  waters  rolled. 

The  Spanish  fire,  upon  the  Aztecs,  told, 

And,  soon,  in  wild  confusion  back  they  reeled, 

And  left  the  Christians  masters  of  the  field, 

Their  fury  dying  into  murmurs  low 

As  they  receded  into  Mexico. 

XI. 

Again  the  city's  streets  were  wet  with  gore, 

And  devastation  progressed,  as  before. 

Day  after  day  the  work  of  ruin  sped. 

And  gloomy  desolation  wider  spread. 

The  Aztecs'  rage  was  impotent  to  save 

The    Valley's    Queen,  though  all  her  sons    were 

brave. 
Alas  !  that  they  were  born  to  such  a  fate — 
Men  who  in  courage  proved  so  truly  great. 
They  saw  their  stately  edifices  fall, 


3i8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

The  honey  of  existence  turned  to  gall ; 
They  saw  their  shrines  swept  ruthlessly  away, 
And  all  they  loved,  beneath  the  Spaniards'  sway- 
The  wealth,  and  beauty  of  their  city  fled, 
Their  ancient  fame,  like  Montezuma,  dead. 
The  great  canals  they  labored  long  to  build 
Were  with  the  ruins  of  their  glory  filled, 
And  where  the  sun  had  gilded  palace  heights 
Was  now  a  desert  with  extinguished  lights. 
Well  might  the  scene  to  frenzy  drive  them  on — 
Thus  to  behold  their  cherished  glory  gone. 
And  all  their  treasures  laid  before  them  waste. 
This,  this  indeed  't  was  bitterness  to  taste. 
But  they  were  still  defiant  to  their  foes, 
And  bore  up  grandly  under  all  their  woes. 
"  Go  on,"  they  to  the  Spanish  allies  cried, 
"And  bury  in  the  dust  your  native  pride  ! 
Where  ye  destroy  ye'll  have  again  to  build, 
And  with  deep  sorrows,  and  remorse,  be  filled. 
If  those  ye  fight  for  conquer,  woe  to  ye, 
And  if  we  triumph,  ye  our  slaves  will  be  !  " 
And,  in  the  end,  the  prophecy  proved  true. 
Their  country's  conquest  they  survived  to  rue. 


PART  TWELFTH. 

I. 

Untiring,  still,  was  Devastation's  hand, 
And  ruin  gloated  o'er  the  prostrate  land. 
The  Spanish  arms  no  rest,  or  mercy  knew, 
And  fiercer  this  unhappy  conflict  grew. 
Day  after  day  Destruction's  work  was  done, 
And  battles  by  Invasion's  hosts  were  won, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  319 

But,  step  by  step,  Resistance  curbed  their  course, 

And  force  was  met,  defiantly,  by  force. 

Yet   while   they  gained   in   strength,  from  day  to 

'day. 
They  saw  the  Aztecs  dwindling  fast  away. 
For  to  their  camp  fresh  native  allies  came. 
But  on  their  foes  preyed  Famine,  like  a  flame. 
Oh  !  countless  horrors  of  a  siege  so  dire. 
Behold,  a  nation,  in  its  throes,  expire  1 

II. 

Weeks  passed  away,  and  Horror  rampant,  reigned. 

But  on  the  foe  Invasion  slowly  gained. 

The  Spanish  forces  met  as  they  advanced, 

And  in  their  joy  they  gaily  sang,  and  danced. 

The  three  commanders,  now,  each  other  faced,* 

And  fervently  as  comrades,  old,  embraced. 

The  dead,  unburied,  thickly  round  them  lay. 

As  forward  the  invaders  took  their  way — 

A  sign  the  living,  by  their  woes  oppressed. 

Cared  not  for  those  already  gone  to  rest ; 

A  sign,  too,  of  extremity,  and  need. 

No  more  the  Aztecs  to  their  dead  gave  heed. 

For,  famine-stricken,  they  were  weak  indeed. 

The   ground   was   stripped   of  herbage,    root,    and 

weed, 
And  ev'ry  tree  was  shorn  of  leaves,  and  bark — 
Till  each  was  like  a  phantom,  strange,  and  stark — 
To  feed  the  famished  legions  of  the  brave. 
Who  tottered  on  the  confines  of  the  grave. 
Yet,  who  would  rather  suffer  here,  and  die 
Than — conquered — to  the  foe  for  mercy  fly. 


Cortez,  Sandoval,  and  Alvarado. 


320  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

III. 

Within  their  houses  when  the  Spaniards  came, 
Lay  prostrate  bodies — dying,  dead,  or  lame — 
And  mothers  who  no  more  their  babes  could  feed, 
Who   from   their   woes   by   Death   would   soon  be 

freed. 
The  fountains  of  their  nature  famine-dry. 
But  not  in  peace  were  these  allowed  to  die. 
The  Spanish  allies  razed  their  dwellings  low, 
And  all  within  thus  perished  at  a  blow. 
No  age,  or  sex  was  spared.     A  common  fate 
Awaited  all  the  victims  of  their  hate. 
But  even  here  not  one  for  mercy  cried. 
For  as  he  lived  the  Aztec  bravely  died. 

The  Aztec  women  like  their  lords  were  brave, 
And  labored  hard  their  country's  cause  to  save. 
With  missiles  they  the  soldiers'  arms  supplied, 
And  o'er  the  wounded  and  the  dying  sighed. 
They  felt  the  glow  of  patriotic  pride. 
And  courage,  and  a  constancy,  sublime. 
Like  those  of  Carthage  in  the  olden  time, 
And  Saragossa's  maids  in  modern  days. 
Heroic  Spirits  !     Let  us  sing  their  praise. 

IV. 

The  spacious  market  square  at  length  was  gained. 
And  Spanish  hands  the  temple,  near,  profaned,* 
And  gave  its  idols  to  the  roaring  flames, 
Amid  vociferously  loud  acclaims. 


*This  was  a  teocalli  on  the  north  side  of  the  city,  inferior 
only  in  size  to  that  of  the  war-god.  It  was  captured  and 
burned  by  Alvarado. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  321 

Though  long  and  fierce  the  battle  raged  below 

Ere  it  was  wrested  from  the  bleeding  foe. 

All  save  the  pyramid  to  ashes  fell, 

But  that  remained  the  tragic  tale  to  tell,* 

While  o'er  it  waved  the  banner  of  Castile, 

And  at  its  base  flashed  bright  Toledo  steel. 

Ascending  to  its  summit  Cortez  viewed 

The  region  he  had  made  a  solitude. 

The  palaces,  and  temples,  were  no  more, 

And  all  the  scene  a  look  of  ruin  wore. 

The  busy  marts  of  industry  and  trade, 

With  all  their  splendors,  in  the  dust  were  laid. 

The  groves  and  gardens,  too,  had  passed  away, 

And  Tenochtitlan  in  her  ashes  lay, 

Save  where  some  mighty  temple  rose  on  high, 

As  if  Invasion's  ravage  to  defy. 

Unrazed  a  narrow  section  still  remained. 

Within  whose  limits  Famine  rampant  reigned.* 

The  people,  yet  surviving,  gathered  there. 

While  Pestilence  was  floating  in  the  air, 

And  by  their  numbers,  for  these  still  were  vast, 

Increased  the  horrors  even  of  the  past ; 

But  though  enfeebled  by  their  countless  woes, 

They  hurled  their  missiles  still  upon  their  foes, 

And  'neath  the  victor's  charge  exhausted  fell 

While  battling  for  the  land  they  loved  so  well. 


*  Like  the  war-god's  teocalli^  it  was  a  pyramidal  structure, 
built  of  sun-dried  brick,  and  only  the  wood  and  fancy-work 
about  it  was  combustible. 

*  Seven-eighths  of  the  city  had  been  destroyed.  The  re- 
maining eighth — between  the  great  northern  and  western  cause- 
ways, the  modern  Barrio  de  San  Jago — comprehended  the 
district  of  Tlatelolco,  into  which  the  population,  still  large, 
was  crowded,  although  there  were  not  accommodations  for  a 
third  of  their  numbers. 


322  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO, 

As  from  the  teocallis  in  the  square, 

The  raging  flames  diffused  a  lurid  glare, 

The  lamentations  of  their  race  arose. 

"  Our  gods,"  they  cried,  "  are  victims  to  our  foes  ! 

The  tragic  drama  must  be  near  its  close !  " 


The  pent-up  Mexicans,  in  mute  despair, 

Their  fate  awaited,  willing  death  to  share, 

While,  daily,  greater  grew  the  heaps  of  dead. 

And  less  and  less  their  scanty  stock  of  bread  : 

Not  bread  indeed,  but  aught  that  crept,  or  grew  ; 

And  even  babes,  their  starving  mothers  slew, 

To  satisfy  the  cravings  which  they  felt. 

A  bitter  lot  to  these  had  Fortune  dealt. 

The   streets   were  filled  with   famished,    houseless 

throngs. 
Who  bore,  in  silence,  all  their  woes,  and  wrongs. 
In  ragged  raiment  all  exposed  were  they 
To  rains  by  night,  the  burning  sun  by  day, 
And  one  by  one  they  yielded  up  their  breath. 
Among  the  dead  they  fell  asleep  in  death. 
At  ev'ry  step  the  dead,  in  piles,  were  seen. 
And  Horror  brooded  grimly  o'er  the  scene. 
The  city  was  a  charnel-house,  and  all 
Was  covered  by  Corruption's  deadly  pall. 
The  pestilence,  the  multitude  appalled. 
To  stay  it  to  their  deities  they  called, 
But  all  their  oracles,  at  length,  were  dumb. 
"  Whence,  now,"  they    asked,  "  can    succor    to    us 


come 


They  sought  relief  in  superstitious  rites, 
And  fancies  wild — imagination's  flights— 
But  no  relief  from  earth — or  heaven — came. 
In  vain  they  cried  aloud  the  war-god's  name. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  323 

Yet  in  the  midst  of  all  these  scenes  behold ! 
The  monarch  Quahtemozin  still  was  bold — 
Calm,  and  courageous  ever,  as  of  old. 
With  death,  and  ruin,  round  about  him,  lo ! 
He  yet  refused  submission  to  the  foe. 

VI. 

For  days  the  Spanish  forces  hushed  the  fray, 
And  cried — "  Surrender  !  ere  we  further  slay," 
Expecting  to  submission  they  would  bend. 
Wrung  by  distresses,  which  the  heart  might  rend, 
But  none  surrendered  to  that  stern  demand. 
True  was  each  Aztec  to  his  native  land. 
Then  Cortez  said — "Prepare  for  fresh  assault ; 
I'll  sow  the  ground  with  carnage,  and  with  salt!" 
As  he  advanced,  to  meet  him  chiefs  appeared. 
Who  cried  aloud  as  they  his  presence  neared — 
"Ye  are,  we  know,  the  children  of  the  sun! 
Behold  how  swift  is  he  his  course  to  run ! 
Why,  then,  so  tardy  ye  ?  why  here  delay 
To  end  our  griefs,  and  terminate  the  fray? 
Oh !  crush  us,  all  at  once,  and  give  us  rest 
From  all  the  woes  by  which  we  stand  oppressed  ? 
Our  war-god  waits  us  in  another  clime  ! 
We  yearn  to  meet  him.     Hasten,  pray,  the  time." 
"  I  come,"  said  Cortez  to  the  famished  chiefs, 
Who  piteously  showed  their  wounds,  and  griefs, 
"  To  ask  you  to  submit,  and  not  to  kill, 
Though  ye  are  at  the  mercy  of  my  will. 
Why  does  your  monarch  in  the  war  persist, 
When  he  can  see  't  is  futile  to  resist  ? 
Confer  with  him,  and  bid  him  meet  me  here; 
His  person  I  will  spare,  nor  need  he  fear." 
That  he  would  come,  they  brought  the  tidings  back, 
But  he  the  while  prepared  for  fresh  attack, 


324  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Nor  meant  to  meet  the  Spanish  chieftain  there. 
The  promises  they  brought  were  false,  but  fair. 
Twice   these  were   pledged,    and   broken,   ere   the 

blow 
Was  struck  by  Cortez  to  disarm  his  foe. 

He  led  his  forces  forward  yet  once  more. 

The  battle  opened  with  the  cannon's  roar ; 

The  musketeers  their  deadly  volleys  poured ; 

The  horsemen   charged,  with  lance,  and  burnished 

sword ; 
The  brigantines  shot  missiles  from  the  lake, 
While  thunder  o'er  the  valley  seemed  to  break ; 
The  allies  rushed,  like  hounds,  upon  their  prey, 
And  clouds  of  smoke  obscured  the  light  of  day. 
For  this  assault  the  Aztecs  stood  prepared. 
And  boldly  the  invading  legions  dared. 
The  strongest  of  their  troops  were  in  the  front 
To  face  the  battle's  devastating  brunt. 
To  shield  the  feeble,  and  the  crippled  crowds, 
Who  threw  their  weapons  from  the  city's  shrouds. 
The  roofs  were  covered  with  excited  throngs. 
Who  scowled  upon  the  authors  of  their  wrongs. 
With  hatred,  and  defiance,  in  their  eyes. 
And  thirst  for  vengeance  in  their  frantic  cries ; 
While  mingled  with  them  women  bravely  stood, 
And  babes  with  lives  thus  blasted  in  the  bud — 
All  destined,  soon,  to  welter  in  their  blood. 

VII. 

The  Aztecs'  battle-cries  rose  shrill  and  clear 

As  that  invading  multitude  drew  near, 

And    from    their    shrunken    arms    their    weapons 

flew. 
While  fierce  and  wild  the  bloody  conflict  grew. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  325 

Stones,  darts,  and  arrows,  from  azoteas  *  rained, 
And  all  around  with  running  blood  was  stained. 
The  women  and  the  children  missiles  threw, 
And  cried — "  We,  too,  to  Mexico  are  true  !  " 
But  from  such  feeble  hands  the  volleys  came 
They  missed,  too  oft,  the  object  of  their  aim, 
And  fell  with  little  damage  on  the  foe. 
Who  swarmed  around,  and  madly  surged  below. 
The  Aztecs,  hemmed  within  a  narrow  space. 
Were  brought,  with  fierce  destruction,  face  to  face. 
The   scythe   of   Death — remorseless — mowed  them 

down. 
And    Cortez    cried — "  We    fight    for    Cross,    and 

Crown ! " 
With  heaps  of  slain  the  ground  was  covered  o'er, 
And  deep  in  channels  ran,  like  water,  gore. 
Till  each  canal  with  crimson  floods  was  dyed, 
But  still  the  Aztecs  all  their  foes  defied. 
Confusion  thickened,  turmoil  louder  grew  ; 
Like  tigers  at  each  other  foemen  flew. 
Barbaric  yells  rang  hideously  shrill, 
And  seemed,  for  miles,  the  valley  round  to  fill ; 
While  o'er  the  groans  of  men  in  dying  throes 
Vile  Spanish  oaths,  and  execrations,  rose. 
The  wounded  in  their  anguish  cried  aloud. 
Ere  they  were  trampled  by  the  rushing  crowd. 
The  women,  and  the  children,  wildly  shrieked, 
While    vengeance,    by   the    sword,   was   on    them 

wreaked. 
The  victors'  heavy  blows  fell  thick  and  fast. 
Men  stood  before  the  spectacle  aghast. 
The  rapid  roll  of  musketry  was  heard. 
While   through   the    air   the    missiles    hissed,    and 

whirred, 

*  The  roofs  of  the  houses. 


326  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  blazing  buildings  into  ruins  fell, 

Consigning  hundreds  to  their  burning  hell. 

The  dust,  in  clouds,  was  mingled  with  the  smoke, 

And  roaring  cannon  distant  echoes  woke. 

"  The  women,  and  the  children,  pray  ye,  spare  ! " 

Cried  Cortez  to  his  allies  fighting  there. 

But  all  unheeded  fell  his  words  on  them : 

The  tide  of  death  he  could  no  longer  stem. 

The  hurricane  had  passed  beyond  control. 

He  saw  in  man  a  brute  without  a  soul. 

'T  was  not  till  forty  thousand  had  been  slain 

That  to  its  sheath  returned  the  sword  of  Spain.* 

VIII. 

The  Spanish  arms  retreated  for  the  night, 

And  on  the  dikes  awaited  morning's  light, 

Then  to  renew,  if  needed,  the  attack. 

And  all,  now,  left  of  Mexico,  to  sack. 

The  hours  of  darkness  were  in  silence  passed. 

Where  the  besieged,  unyielding  still,  were  massed. 

No  sounds  save  those  of  agony  were  heard, 

Nor  aught,  that  caught  the  ears  of  watchers,  stirred. 

'T  was  like  the  gloom,  and  silence,  of  the  grave 

Where  stunned  by  the  terrific  blow,  but  brave. 

The  Aztecs,  speechless,  and  despairing,  lay 

Awaiting,  like  their  foes,  another  day. 

Home,  kindred,  fortune,  friends  were  swept  away ! 

With  naught  to  live  for,  life  had  lost  its  charm, 

And  death  seemed  like  a  shield  to  screen  from  harm. 

Death  had  for  them  no  terrors,  and  no  stings  : 

Through  it  they  soared,  to  Paradise,  on  wings. 


*  This  is  the  number  given  by  Cortez  himself.  Ixtlilxochitl, 
the  Aztec  historian,  says  that  50,000  were  slain  and  captured 
in  this  terrific  onslaught. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  327 

But  in  the  Spanish  quarters  mirth  prevailed, 
And  with  their  best  the  forces  were  regaled, 
While  sounds  of  music  from  the  causeways  came, 
And  voices  rent  the  air  with  their  acclaim. 
Lights,  from  the  scenes  of  revel,  brightly  gleamed. 
And  blazing  fires  across  the  waters  beamed. 
While  all  was  ready  for  the  morrow  made. 
And  all  for  conquest  on  that  morrow  prayed. 

IX. 

The  morning  chased  the  gloom  of  night  away, 
And  Cortez  led  his  army  to  the  fray, 
To  crown  the  work  of  the  preceding  day. 
Ere  Mexico  could  rally  from  the  blow  : 
Now  was  the  time  he  knew  to  strike  her  low. 
And  end  the  struggle  with  his  daring  foe.* 
Across  the  waste  where  once  the  city  stood — 
A  blasted  plain  of  ashes,  dyed  with  blood — 
The  troops  advanced,  from  calm  Tezcuco's  flood — 
For  ever  on  the  dikes  they  camped  at  night, 
But  with  the  dawn  marched  forward  to  the  fight. 

Before  he  battled  Cortez  called  a  halt. 

"  I  would  not  now,"  he  cried,  "  again  assault 

The  feeble  remnants  of  the  Aztec  race, 

Or  turn  to  shambles  their  abiding-place. 

If  they  would  but  surrender  to  the  sword, 

For  I  can,  mercy,  to  the  weak  afford. 

Let  all  embrace — submissively — Castile  !  " 

By  Aztec  lips  he  sent  a  last  appeal. 

To  Quahtemozin  of  the  lion  heart. 

Who  vowed  he'd  from  his  purpose  ne'er  depart. 

*  It  was  the  13th  of  August,  1521,  the  day  of  St.  Hypolito — 
the  patron  saint  of  modern  Mexico. 


328  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

He  sent  to  Cortez,  briefly,  this  reply — 
"  Behold  me  willing  here  to  fight,  and  die, 
And  all  the  foes  of  Mexico  defy. 
And  ne'er  will  I  surrender  unto  them; 
I'll  to  the  last  defend  my  diadem. 
Let  the  invaders  do  whate'er  they  will, 
My  fated  land  shall  find  me  faithful  still ! " 

"  Go,"  Cortez  to  the  messengers  replied, 
"  And  bid  your  people  stem  the  bloody  tide. 
Their  hour  is  come,  for  death  awaits  them  all. 
And  Mexico  for  evermore  must  fall. 
Tell  Quahtemozin  that  his  reign  is  o'er. 
And  what  he  knew  of  yore  he'll  know  no  more, 
For  I  must  end  this  tragedy,  in  gore, 
And  pierce  the  dying  empire  to  its  core  ! " 

His  troops  became  impatient  of  delay, 
And  clamored  to  be  guided  to  the  fray. 
Then  Cortez  gave  the  order  to  advance, 
And  waved,  he  from  a  roof,  anon,  his  lance, 
.  The  signal  to  attack  the  fated  foe, 
Who  stones,  and  arrows,  now,  began  to  throw. 
The  Aztecs,  densely  massed,  with  angry  eyes, 
Let  loose,  in  hate,  their  thrilling  battle-cries, 
And  threw  their  feeble  volleys  through  the  air, 
With  energy  that  savored  of  despair. 
The  heavy  guns,  in  thunder  tones,  replied. 
And  forward  rushed  the  devastating  tide  ! 
The  allies,  with  a  frantic  thirst  for  blood, 
Swept  all  before  them  like  a  roaring  flood, 
And  spared  not,  in  their  fury,  sex,  or  age, 
But  vented  on  their  foes  devouring  rage. 
Why  tell  the  tale  of  horror  o'er  and  o'er  ? 
Worse  was  the  carnage  than  the  day  before. 
And  each  canal  was  bridged  across  with  slain. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  329 

While  women  begged  for  mercy,  but  in  vain, 
And  Terror  held  an  undisputed  reign. 
The  earth  was  wet  with  blood,  as  if  with  rain, 
And  over  all  there  waved  the  flag  of  Spain. 
The  Christian's  hand  was  on  his  victim's  throat. 
And  o'er  his  tortures  he  was  seen  to  gloat. 
He  slew  the  heathen  in  Jehovah's  name. 
And  Christian  clergy   sanctified  the  shame. 

Some  plunged  into  the  lake  to  flee  their  foes, 
But  even  there  were  pelted  by  their  blows. 
Some  sought  to  cross  the  waters  in  canoes. 
But  baffling  found  the  cruising  Spanish  crews, 
Who,  from  the  brigantines,  their  missiles  aimed. 
Death,  wheresoe'er  they  turned,  its  victims  claimed. 

The  combat  quickly  thickened  on  the  lake, 
And  thunder  o'er  its  bosom  seemed  to  break. 
The  brigantines  were  wrapped  in  clouds  of  smoke. 
Whose  cannon  echoes,  all  around,  awoke. 
In  hot  pursuit  of  swift  canoes  they  sailed. 
Nor  to  o'ertake  the  flying  foemen  failed. 
But  even  here  the  Aztecs  bravely  fought. 
And  havoc  in  return  for  havoc  wrought. 
Three  war-canoes  at  length  were  there  espied 
Retreating,  swiftly,  o'er  the  golden  tide. 
With  wings  outspread  a  brigantine  pursued. 
They  tried,  but  vainly,  to,  pursuit,  elude, 
For  like  a  hawk  that  gives  a  sparrow  chase. 
The  brigantine  was  victor  in  the  race.  » 
The  Spanish  crews  were  slowly  taking  aim. 
When  "  Stay  !  oh  !  stay  ! "  they  heard  a  voice  ex- 
claim, 
"  The  monarch  of  the  Aztecs  is  on  board. 
We  would  not  have  him  perish  by  the  sword," 
And  Quahtemozin  rose,  and  stood  erect. 


330  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

"  With  me,"  he  cried,  "  do  what  ye  may  elect. 

For  I'm  the  ruler  of  this  stricken  land, 

And  seek  no  mercy  at  the  victor's  hand ! 

To  Cortez — your  commander — lead  me,  pray. 

But  spare  my  wife,  nor  these — my  nobles — slay  !  "  * 

The  brigantine  her  captives  bore  away 

To  where  the  ruins  of  the  city  lay. 

The  fallen  monarch  listened  to  the  fray. 

"  Poor  Mexico,"  he  sighed,  "  has  lost  the  day  ! 

No  longer  will  my  valiant  heroes  fight, 

When  they  behold  me  captured  in  my  flight. 

Their  sun,  alas  !  has  set  in  endless  night ! '' 

The  tidings  of  his  capture  quickly  spread, 

And  then  arose  a  wail  as  for  the  dead. 

While  sounds  of  battle  swiftly  died  away. 

The  conflict  ended  with  the  monarch's  sway. 

His  people  cared  not  to  prolong  the  fray 

When  he  had  fallen  to  their  foes  a  prey, 

And  so  threw  down  their  weapons  in  despair. 

And  beat  their  breasts,  in  grief,  and  tore  their  hair^ 

The  boats  upon  the  lake  surrendered,  too, 

And  followed  Quahtemozin,  two,  and  two. 


When  Cortez  of  the  royal  capture  heard, 
With  exultation  all  his  blood  w-as  stirred. 
He  summoned  those  who  wrangled  o'er  the  prize  t 

*  Among  those  with  him  were  Coanaco,  the  deposed  lord 
of  Tezcuco,  and  the  lord  of  Tlacopan. 

t  The  brigantine  which  captured  the  Aztec  emperor  was 
commanded  by  Holguin,  but  as  Sandoval  had  command  of 
the  fleet  he  demanded  that  Quahtemozin  should  be  surren- 
dered to  him  on  board  his  own  vessel,  which  Holguin  refused, 
and  so  a  hot  dispute  arose. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  331 

To  bring  him,  as  he  stood,  before  his  eyes, 

But  on  the  way  to  treat  him  as  a  king, 

Nor  add  to  his  captivity  a  sting. 

He  spread  a  crimson  cloth,  and  homely  fare, 

And  bade  Marina  for  a  guest  prepare. 

She — ever  lovely,  and  as  true  as  fair — 

Through  all   the  conquest's  troubled   scenes    had 

passed, 
•And  now  she  gazed  on  victory  at  last. 

XL 

Escorted  by  the  troops,  the  monarch  came 

As  proudly  as  became  his  royal  fame. 

And  Cortez  met  him  with  a  greeting  grave, 

And  bowed  in  honor  of  the  hero  brave. 

The  captive's  eye  was  lustrous,  dark,  and  full, 

Which  in  its  depths,  revealed  him  sorrowful, 

While  passive  resignation,  in  his  face, 

Concealed  the  courage  that  had  fired  his  race. 

Fair  in  complexion,  and  robust  of  form 

He  looked  the  hero  who  had  braved  the  storm. 

And  yet  in  manner  he  was  calm,  and  mild. 

And  gentle,  and  engaging  as  a  child. 

"  All  that  I  could  I've  done,"  he  bravely  spoke, 

As  'mid  his  captors  he  the  silence  broke. 

"  I  labored  to  defend  my  country  well, 

And  struggled  harder  than  the  tongue  can  tell 

To  crush  the  fierce  invaders  of  the  soil, 

But  such  has  proved,  alas !  a  barren  toil. 

For  I'm  at  last,  a  captive  where  I  stand. 

And  conquered  is  my  hapless  native  land ! 

What  care  I  now  what  happens  unto  me  t 

I  would,  in  death,  from  all  these  horrors  flee. 

Deal  unto  me,  Malinche,  what  you  will. 

But  on  the  wife  I  love,  inflict  no  ill. 


332  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

Despatch  me  with  the  weapon  that  you  wear : — 
Why  need  I  longer  for  this  body  care  ? 
The  glory  of  my  race  has  passed  away. 
Nor  Hope  upon  the  future  sheds  a  ray. 
Why  then,  to  suffer,  should  I  wish  to  stay  ?  " 

Marina  caught  his  words,  as  fast  they  fell, 

And  as  interpreter  she  acted  well, 

And  roused  in  Cortez  admiration^s  glow. 

He  saw  a  hero  in  his  captive  foe, 

Who  in  misfortune  showed  a  spirit  brave. 

And,  cool  with  courage,  shrank  not  from  the  grave. 

"  Fear  not,"  said  Cortez,  "  I  will  spare  your  life, 
And  treat  with  care,  and  tenderness,  your  wife. 
With  valor  you  have  fought,  and  nobly  done, 
And  though  the  Spanish  arms  success  have  won, 
I  laurel  courage  even  in  a  foe, 
And  own  you've  lustre  shed  on  Mexico  1 " 

Then  Quahtemozin's  bride  was  forward  led. 
Who  to  her  lord  when  first  enthroned  was  wed. 
Thus  through  her  brief  and  blissless  wedded  life 
Her  lot  was  cast  'mid  thrilling  scenes  of  strife. 
Yet  she  was  scarce  a  woman  in  her  years. 
But  for  herself  had,  like  her  lord,  no  fears. 
Though  for  her  country  grief,  her  husband  tears. 
She  was  her  father's — Montezuma's — pride. 
And  deeply  she  had  mourned  him  when  he  died, 
But  now  her  cup  of  sorrow  overflowed.* 
Her  face  the  anguish  of  her  feelings  showed. 
Her  beauty  by  the  tempest  had  been  swept. 
And,  with  unrest,  her  heart  within  her  leapt, 

*  She — Tecuichpo  by  name — was  the  youngest  daughter  of 
the  unfortunate  Montezuma,  and  had  married  her  cousin,  Quah- 
emozin,  on  his  accession  to  the  throne. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  333 

But  still  her  charms  enraptured  those  who  gazed  ; 
And  all  her  grace,  and  lovely  features,  praised. 

XII. 

The  hour  for  vespers  had  already  passed, 

And  all  the  sky  with  clouds  was  overcast. 

To  Sandoval  the  captives  were  assigned, 

And  to  their  fate  the}' — sadly — seemed  resigned. 

"  To  Co-jo-hu-a-can  convey  them  all, 

And  I  will  follow  ere  the  night  doth  fall  ! " 

Cried  Cortez  to  his  comrade,  bold,  and  true, 

And  Quahtemozin  from  his  side  withdrew, 

While  with  him  went  the  empress  of  his  heart. 

"  Such  loving  souls  't  would  be  a  sin  to  part. 

The  woman's  beauty  enmity  disarms!" 

Exclaimed  the  chieftain  of  the  Spanish  arms, 

Won  by  the  magic  of  her  peerless  charms. 

The  Spanish  forces  to  the  dikes  returned* 

To  seek  the  rest  for  which  their  spirits  yearned, 

For,  where  they'd  battled,  thickly  lay  the  dead, 

And  by  the  carnage  pestilence  was  bred. 

The  rain  descended  as  they  marched  away. 

And  darkness  gathered  o'er  the  dying  day. 

Ere  long  a  tropic  storm,  in  fury,  broke. 

And  God,  in  thunder,  from  the  heavens  spoke. 

While  lightning  through  the  valley,  grandly  flashed. 

Peal  after  peal  among  the  mountains  crashed, 

And  o'er  the  ruined  city,  rumbling,  rolled. 

Which  struck  with  awe  the  boldest  of  the  bold. 

And  shook  the   crazy  ruins,  as  they  stood. 

And  echoed  o'er  the  hills,  and  foaming  flood. 

The  Aztecs  heard  their  gods  amid  the  blast 

And  at  their  shrieks,  and  meanings,  felt  aghast. 

♦  Under  the  command  of  Alvarado,  and  Olid. 


334  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

They  heard  them  fly  affrighted,  howling  on, 

And  when  the  storm  was  hushed  they  deemed  them 

gone — 
For  ever  from  their  ravaged  valley  fled — 
To  join  the  spirits  of  their  people,  dead. 

XIII.. 

The  fallen  monarch  on  the  morrow  cried — 

"Who  for  the  living  remnant  will  provide? 

Mexitli !  o'er  the  dikes  my  people  guide, 

And  let  the  wants  that  wring  them  be  supplied, 

For  'mid  those  ruins  they  are  life  denied. 

And  little  longer  they  can  there  abide. 

Where  Famine  stalks,  and  all  with  blood  is  dyed," 

While  as  he  spoke  he  o'er  their  fortunes  sighed. 

And  murmured — "  Would  that  I,  ere  this,  had  died  !  " 

Though  still  unbroken  was  his  native  pride. 

The  wish  was  quickly  gratified,  and,  lo  ! 

Along  the  dikes  defiled  the  ranks  of  woe — 

The  legions,  who  survived  their  empire's  doom, 

And  in  the  future  saw  but  pain,  and  gloom. 

That  tens  of  thousands  still  were  left  to  mourn, 

When  hosts  so  vast  had  reached  their  final  bourne. 

Awoke  among  the  conquerors  surprise, 

Who  on  them  gazed,  with  wonder  in  their  eyes.* 

The  straggling  files  moved  slowly  to  the  shore. 

And  three  days  passed  ere  all  had  journeyed  o'er. 

They  formed  a  melancholy,  dismal  train 

That  spoke  of  famine,  pestilence,  and  pain. 

The  sick  and  wounded  on  each  other  leaned, 

*  The  number  who  survived  the  siege  is  variously  estimated 
at  from  thirty  to  seventy  thousand  souls,  including  women, 
and  children,  Herrara,  and  Torquemada  agreeing  upon  the 
lowest  estimate,  and  Orieda  swelling  the  number  to  the  high- 
est. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  335 

With  ghastly  gashes  from  the  sight  unscreened, 
And  feebly  tottered,  dying  on  the  way. 
Nor  cared  they  longer  in  the  world  to  stay. 
Men,  women,  children, — wasted,  and  in  woe, 
Turned,  as  they  went,  to  look  on  Mexico — 
To  cast  a  long,  and  loving  glance  behind — 
And  on  the  city's  site  a  blank  to  find. 
Where  lay  the  bodies  of  their  kindred,  slain — 
Men  who  had  fought  like  heroes,  but  in  vain. 
There  on  unburied  heaps  the  vultures  preyed, 
While  weeping  widows  for  the  fallen  prayed, 
And  maidens  in  their  anguish  cried  aloud. 
And  to  the  earth  were  down,  with  sorrow,  bowed. 
Ah  !  who  can  tell  how  many  of  the  brave 
Found  in  that  awful  siege  a  bloody  grave  ?  * 

XIV. 

The  victors  burned,  and  buried,  now,  the  dead, 
And  here  and  there  a  spoil  their  av'rice  fed, 
Though  scanty  was  the  treasure  that  they  found.t 
But  wealth  lay  hidden  in  the  lake,  and  ground. 
Where  it  would  glisten  ne'er  upon  their  view  ; 
How,  thus,  to  foil  their  foes  the  vanquished  knew. 
But  coarser  booty  to  the  allies  fell. 
With  which  they  deemed  themselves  rewarded  well. 
No  more  were  they  by  Cortez  needed  here, 

*  The  estimates  of  the  number  of  the  Aztecs  who  were  killed 
during  the  siege,  which  lasted  about  three  months,  varies 
from  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  to  two  hundred  and 
forty  thousand,  the  highest  estimate  being  given  by  Ixtlilxo- 
chitl.  This  is  quite  possible,  considering  that  the  capital  in 
addition  to  its  own  population  was  filled  with  recruits  from 
the  surrounding  country.  The  losses  of  the  allies  during  this 
lime  were  also  heavy,  the  Aztec  historian  asserting  that  of  the 
Tezcucans  some  thirty  thousand  perished. 

t  About  a  hundred  and  thirty  thousand  castellanos  of  gold. 


336  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  so  their  chiefs  he  summoned  to  appear, 

And  then  dismissed  them  with  a  brief  address, 

In  which  he  praised  their  valor,  and  success. 

So  to  their  homes  in  triumph  they  returned. 

How  brief  that  triumph  they  ere  long  discerned ! 

The  Spanish  soldiers,  too,  were  glad,  and  gay, 

And  gave  themselves  to  revels  for  a  day, 

But,  on  the  next,  they  met,  in  grand  array, 

To  celebrate  the  conquest  they  had  won. 

And   crown,  with    prayer,  the  valiant  work  they'd 

done. 
Above  them  waved  their  banners  in  the  sun — 
The  soiled,  and  tattered  flags  by  battle  stained — 
The  emblems  of  the  glory  they  had  gained. 
These,  which  so   oft  through  scenes  of  strife   had 

passed, 
Their  shadows,  now,  on  peaceful  heroes  cast, 
Who,  piously,  their  litany  rehearsed. 
And  in  devotion  were,  like  priests,  immersed. 
While  they,  aloft,  the  Virgin's  image  raised, 
And  this,  their  sign  of  man's  redemption,  praised ; 
Then  bowed  the  knee  in  sacramental  prayer, 
While  strains  of  music  floated  on  the  air, 
And  asked  their  God,  who'd  led  them  to  success, 
Their  triumph  o'er  the  infidel  to  bless. 

XV. 

Thus  after  all  the  siege  the  city  fell — 
Nine  months  of  strife,  each  army  fighting  well. 
With  courage,  and  with  constancy  sublime 
The  Aztecs  battled  through  that  awful  time. 
Preferring  there  to  shed  their  blood,  and  die. 
Than  to  their  foemen — "  We  surrender  !  " — cry. 
Three  hundred  years,  and  more,  had  passed  away 
Since  in  the  valley  first  they  made  their  stay — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  337 

A  wand'ring  tribe  from  far  northwestern  plains, 

Who  conquered  as  they  came,  and  built  their  fanes, 

And  cried — "Thus  much  our  oracle  ordains  : 

That  we  should  roam  no  more,  but  here  abide, 

And  raise  a  city  that  shall  be  our  pride, 

Whose  name  shall  Tenochtitlan  ever  be, 

And  all  our  foes  before  our  arms  shall  flee  !  " 

Their  conquests,  by  degrees,  the  valley  swept, 

And  then  across  their  mountain-wall  they  leapt. 

And,  o'er  the  broad  extent  of  tableland. 

Descended  with  destruction  in  each  hand. 

And  onward  rolled  to  where  the  ocean  lay. 

Till  they  were  held  by  distant  tribes  at  bay. 

The  while  their  city  with  their  progress  grew, 

And  rose  a  splendid  object  on  the  view, 

Where  art,  and  science,  trade,  and  busy  life, 

'Mid  rude  barbaric  rites,  were  strangely  rife. 

Till,  in  the  end,  unrivalled  was  its  fame. 

And  feared,  if  not  revered,  its  mighty  name. 

Then  o'er  the  sea,  from  lands  unknown,  there  came — 

As  by  their  ancient  oracles  foretold — 

The  pale  and  fierce  invaders,  strong,  and  bold. 

Who  laid  their  empire,  and  their  city,  low. 

And  filled  the  land  with  carnage,  and  with  woe. 

They  in  the  zenith  of  their  glory  fell. 

Though  they  resisted  the  invaders  well. 

And  from  the  roll  of  nations  passed  away. 

Like  those  who,  for  themselves,  of  yore  made  way. 

But  not  by  foreign  foes  alone  they  died  : 

Internal  hate,  they  saw,  their  hosts  divide, 

And  this  Invasion,  as  a  weapon,  used, 

And  rancor,  wheresoe'er  it  could,  diffused. 

The  weakness  of  the  nation  bare  was  laid : 

Against  itself  its  forces  were  arrayed ; 

And  so  it  yielded,  where  it  could  not  stand, 

And  fell,  a  conquest,  at  the  victor's  hand. 


338  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

It  served  to  point  a  moral  in  its  fall, 

Which  't  is  not  wholly  idle  to  recall — 

That  nations,  and  that  rulers,  lose  their  sway — 

And  to  their  rivals  fall  an  easy  prey — 

Who  rule  not  by  the  sceptre,  but  the  sword  : 

These,  in  the  end,  must  perish  like  the  gourd. 


EPILOGUE. 


The  story  of  the  Conquest,  now,  is  told, 

And  little  more  the  poem  can  unfold. 

The  city  from  its  wreck  began  to  rise 

Beneath  the  spur  of  Spanish  enterprise. 

And  legions  of  the  vanquished  toiled  to  build 

For  those  who'd  all  their  land  with  mourning  filled. 

The  victors  discontented  with  their  spoils — 

Too  small  a  prize  for  their  excessive  toils — 

For  Quahtemozin's  torture  loudly  cried. 

And  Cortez,  basely,  with  their  wish  complied. 

But  firm,  through  all,  his  fortitude  remained. 

No  treasure-tidings  from  his  lips  they  gained. 

Not  here  his  griefs  were  ended  for,  alas ! 

His  days  in  bondage  he  was  forced  to  pass. 

For  years  he  saw  the  seasons  come  and  go. 

But  naught  they  brought  his  race,  save  woe  on  woe. 

Yet  Mexico  again  adorned  the  view — 

Upon  the  ancient  site,  a  city  new. 

Which  he  had  watched  as  day  by  day  it  grew 

Beneath  the  busy  hands  of  mighty  throngs. 

Who  sang,  but  not  with  joy,  their  native  songs. 

Yes,  Mexico  again  was  grand,  and  great.  * 


*  In  less  than  four  years  from  the  destruction  of  the  city 
Mexico  was  rebuilt.    The  new  city  was  less  extensive  than  the 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  339 

She  rose  as  if  superior  to  Fate, 
And  native  hosts  who'd  with  the  Spaniards  fought 
Now  day  by  day  with  those  re-building,  wrought, 
So  proving  the  prediction  uttered,  true. 
That  victors  thus  their  victory  would  rue : 
And  while  the  hapless  natives  of  the  soil 
Were  sore  oppressed  by  never-ceasing  toil 
The  flag  of  Spain  waved  o'er  the  hapless  land, — 
From  the  Atlantic  to  Pacific's  strand, — 
For  Cortez  spread  his  empire  far  and  wide, 
And  onward  swept,  resistless  as  the  tide.* 
Few  were  the  foes  who  e'er  his  sword  defied. 
Yet  while  he  labored  for  the  cause  of  Spain, 
And  for  her  sought  fresh  conquests  to  attain, 
Velasquez,  and  Fonseca  crushed  him  down,  f 
But  to  his  succor  came  at  last  the  Crown, 
And  he  received  his  well-deserved  renown.  % 
Velasquez  broken-hearted,  ruined,  died. 
While  to  the  earth  was  bent  his  lofty  pride, 
And  soon  Fonseca,  like  him,  passed  away. 
Chagrined  to  find  he  held  no  longer  sway.§ 

old,  but  its  superior  in  strength,  and  magnificence,  and  it 
occupied  exactly  the  same  site,  and  was  constructed  on  the 
same  general  plan. 

*  Within  three  years  after  the  conquest  Cortez  had  brought 
under  Spanish  dominion  a  region  more  than  four  hundred 
leagues  in  length  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  five  hundred 
leagues  in  length  on  the  Pacific. 

t  Velasquez,  governor  of  Cuba,  and  Bishop  Fonseca,  the 
Spanish  Colonial  Secretary,  both  of  whom  were  his  inveter- 
ate foes,  the  former  for  reasons  already  explained,  the  latter 
because  he  espoused  the  cause  of  Velasquez, 

X  His  acts  were  confirmed,  and  he  was  made  Governor, 
Captain-General  and  Chief  Justice  of  New  Spain  by  Charles 
the  Fifth  by  a  commission  dated  Oct.  15,  1522. 

§  He  died  in  1523,  the  year  after  the  acts  of  Cortez  were 
confirmed  against  his  protest. 


340  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

For  thirty  years  a  living  blight  was  he, 
On  those  who  won  their  glory  o'er  the  sea. 
He  checked  Columbus  in  his  enterprise, 
And  long  on  Cortez  cast  his  evil  eyes. 

Ere  this  had  Cortez,  still  on  conquest  bent, 

Brave  Alvarado,  with  an  army,  sent 

To  sweep  the  Cordillera's  southern  slope — 

An  enterprise  from  which  he'd  much  to  hope — 

And  not  in  vain  he  prayed  for  great  success. 

And  asked  the  Lord  his  gallant  troops  to  bless, 

For  Alvarado  Guatemala  gained. 

Though  not,  alas !  till  blood  its  valleys  stained. 

To  far  Honduras  other  squadrons  sailed, 

Who,  too,  with  speedy  conquest  were  regaled, 

While  o'er  the  victors  Olid  held  command. 

But  traitor-like  he  claimed  the  conquered  land. 

And  vowed  no  more  he'd  leader  recognize, 

*'  For  this,"  said  he,  "  I  claim  my  own  emprise." 

"  Not  thus  will  I  be  cheated  of  my  prize," 

Cried  Cortez,  with  revengeful,  flashing  eyes, 

"  I'll  go  myself,  and  this  my  foe  chastise  !  " 

And  so  he  to  Honduras  led  the  way. 

There  to  extend  his  conquests,  and  his  sway. 

And  with  the  army  marched  the  throneless  King- 

The  eagle  that  no  more  its  way  could  wing — 

Whose  heart  with  anguish  he  was  prone  to  wring, 

For  as  a  captive  he  a  burden  proved. 

And  Cortez  wished  him  from  his  sight  removed. 

Yet  feared  to  set  so  great  a  hero  free. 

Who  knew  what  Quahtemozin  yet  might  be  ? 

He  still  in  him  could  strength,  and  danger  see, 

And  watched  him  with  a  timid,  jealous  eye. 

As  if  he  felt  a  potent  foeman  nigh. 

Ere  long  vague  whispers  of  a  plot  he  heard, 

And  this  within  him  cruel  passions  stirred 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO,  341 

"  The  monarch,  he  is  guilty  !  "  he  averred, 
"  And  I,  from  justice,  ne'er  will  be  deterred  !  '* 
With  treason  he  poor  Quahtemozin  charged, 
And  on  its  great  enormity  enlarged. 

This  capped  the  climax  of  his  countless  woes, 

And  brought  his  sad  existence  to  a  close, 

For  Cortez  cried — "  The  traitor  I  will  hang  !  " 

And  to  the  work  his  soldiers,  gladly,  sprang. 

These  to  a  ceiba-tree  the  victim  led — 

A  tree  whose  limbs  in  majesty  were  spread. 

There,  with  intrepid  spirit,  he  exclaimed — 

"  Naught  have  I  done  of  which  I  feel  ashamed. 

Yet  I,  though  guiltless,  thus  am  foully  blamed. 

And  sentenced  to  be  murdered  where  I  stand 

By  those  who  robbed  me  of  my  native  land. 

But  I  foresaw  the  fate  for  me  in  store 

When  I  was  captured,  to  be  free  no  more. 

I  knew  Malinche's  words  would  prove  untrue, 

And  that  I'd  live  my  trust  in  him  to  rue. 

Oh  !  that  I'd  perished  when  my  empire  fell. 

The  story  of  my  life  is  sad  to  tell." 

Then,  as  he  to  his  nobles  said  good-by. 

The  face  of  Cortez  met  his  sparkling  eye, 

And  he  was  heard  reproachfully  to  cry — 

"  Why  so  unjustly  do  you  take  my  life, 

And  wring  with  anguish  my  devoted  wife. 

When  you  protection  promised  t — Base  indeed 

Must  be  your  heart  to  do  so  foul  a  deed, 

And  God  will  scourge  you,  Cortez,  for  the  crime  ! 

Remember  this  !     I  leave  the  rest  to  time  ? " 

And  with  him  perished  on  that  ceiba-tree 

Tacuba's  lord,  and  other  nobles,  three.* 


*  His  execution  took  place  at  the  beginning  of  Lent,  1525, 
after  a  captivity  of  more  than  four  years. 


342  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

As  bravely  as  he'd  lived  the  monarch  died. 
And  o'er  his  fate  his  scattered  subjects  sighed. 
While  he  survived,  their  eyes  were  turned  to  him, 
Whose  lustrous  deeds  not  even  time  could  dim, 
But  when,  at  length,  from  life  he  passed  away 
They  seemed  no  more  to  wish  on  earth  to  stay, 
And  to  the  yoke  of  their  oppressors  bowed, 
With  bitter  lamentations,  deep,  and  loud. 
Without  a  struggle  thus,  resigned,  they  sank, 
And  to  the  dregs  Submission's  potion  drank. 
His  bride  survived  to  mourn  his  hapless  fate. 
And,  in  her  sorrow,  was  disconsolate. 
But  soon  a  Spanish  knight  the  empress  wooed. 
And  not  in  vain  he  for  her  favor  sued, 
For  Spanish  nobles  traced  descent,  with  pride. 
In  after  ages,  from  the  Aztec  bride.^ 
Marina  still  with  Cortez — at  his  side — 
Was  seen  upon  the  toilsome  march  to  ride, 
And  she  was  still  the  gallant  army's  pride  ; 
But  near  the  time  approached  when  she  no  more 
Would  be  what  she  had  been  so  long  before. 
She  saw,  with  gladsome  eyes,  one  smiling  morn 
The  once  familiar  spot  where  she  was  born.t 
"  This  is,"  she  cried,  "  the  fairest  place  on  earth. 
And,  oh  !  my  mother — she  who  gave  me  birth — 
I  love  her  though  she  sold  me  as  a  slave  ! 
Is  she  alive,  or  sleeps  she  in  her  grave  ?  " 
She  lived,  and  Cortez  bade  her,  then,  appear. 
And  to  the  camp  she  came  with  doubt,  and  fear. 
Marina  ran  to  meet  her,  and  the  two. 
Across  the  gulf  of  Time,  each  other  knew. 
And  there  the  mother,  and  the  child  embraced. 


*  The  Princess  Tecuichpo  married  successively  three  Castil- 
ians  of  noble  descent. 

t  In  the  province  of  Coatzacualco. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  343 

While  all  the  past  from  mem'ry  was  effaced, 

And,  when  from  other  lips  reproaches  fell, 

'T  was  filial  love  that  made  her  bosom  swell, 

And  she  replied — "  My  mother  I  forgive, 

And  may  she  long  in  peace,  unbroken,  live. 

She  knew  not  what  she  did  with  me,  of  old, 

When  to  the  traders  I,  for  life,  was  sold. 

But  all  is  good  that  leads  to  good,  I  feel. 

And  I  am  now  a  daughter  of  Castile, 

While  as  a  Christian  I  am  rich  in  grace. 

And  far  above  my  poor,  benighted  race, 

Who  worship  gods  that  can  no  help  afford. 

My  trust  is  in  the  Christian's  cross,  and  sword  !  " 

Then,  as  if  back  her  mother's  love  to  win, 

A  ring  she  gave  her,  and  a  golden  pin, 

And  other  jewels,  rare,  of  those  she  wore, 

For  she  of  trinkets  had  a  goodly  store. 

"  This  reconciliation  seemeth  sweet, 

And  it  hath  gladdened  me  to  see  you  meet," 

Said  Cortez  to  the  mother,  and  the  child. 

And  as  he  spoke  the  rugged  soldier  smiled. 

Then  turning  to  Marina,  speaking  low. 

While  from  his  heart  his  language  seemed  to  flow, 

He  added — "  You  have  loved,  and  labored  well. 

Through  all  the  fortunes  which  my  lot  befel, 

And  I  am  moved  to  gratitude,  and  fain 

Would  see  you  reap  a  rich  reward  from  Spain, 

For  you  have  nobly  served  both  Cross,  and  Crown, 

And  who  deserves,  if  't  is  not  you,  renown  ? 

If  you  would  here  abide  I'll  give  you  lands, 

And,  with  a  Spanish  knight's,  will  join  your  hands. 

In  marriage  you,  with  him,  will  little  rue. 

For  his  regard,  like  mine,  for  you  is  true. 

The  son  you  bore  me  I  will  watch  with  pride,  * 

*  Cortez  had  one  child  by  Marina — Don  Martin  Cortez— 


344  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.     ■ 

And  he  shall  reap  his  honors  at  my  side. 

Would  I  could  do  for  you,  Marina,  more, 

But  I  have  told  the  story  oft  before !  " 

The  preferred  land,  and  preferred  hand  she  took,  * 

Though  with  a  trace  of  sadness  in  her  look. 

She  felt  at  heart  a  widow,  though  a  bride, 

And  o'er  the  loss  of  him,  so  loved,  she  sighed. 

He  loved  her  too,  but  his  ambition  soared. 

To  wed  Marina  he  could  ne'er  afford. 

If  he  would  reap  the  harvest  of  his  sword. 

But  there,  in  happiness,  she  passed  her  days, 

And,  to  the  last,  Castilians  sang  her  praise. 

To  royal  heights  he  cast  aspiring  eyes, 

Now  that  he  stood  absolved  from  nuptial  ties. 

The  wife  he  married  in  his  manhood's  morn 

Was,  like  himself,  of  humble  parents  born, 

And  when — his  conquest  won — she  sought  him  here, 

But  little  in  his  home  she  found  to  cheer. 

For  her  no  more  had  Cortez  love  and  smiles. 

And,  sickened  by  the  journey  from  the  isles, 

She  died  ere  three  short  months  had  passed  away, 

And  dying  sighed — "  Farewell  !  I  would  not  stay."  f 

When  Cortez  reached  the  region  of  his  quest, 
And  in  Honduras  forests  courted  rest. 
He  found  the  traitor  Olid  lived  no  more. 
An  envoy  he  had  sent  had  shed  his  gore. 
And  Olid  died,  beheaded  where  he'd  reigned, 

who  rose  to  a  high  position,  and  was  made  comendador  of  the 
Order  of  St.  Jago;  but  in  1568  he  was  accused  of  treasonable 
designs  against  the  government,  in  the  city  of  Mexico,  and 
put  to  the  torture. 

*  She  was  lawfully  married  to  Don  Juan  Xaraarillo,  a  Cas- 
tilian  knight. 

t  Her  death  occurred  in  Mexico  in  1524,  three  months  after 
her  arrival  from  Cuba. 


THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  MEXICO.  34  5 

While  true  to  Cortez  still  his  troops  remained. 

Here  Nicaragua's  conquest  next  he  planned, 

For  he  had  heard  of  treasures  in  the  land, 

But  tidings  came  which  moved  him  to  return, 

For  danger  he,  in  tumult,  could  discern. 

And  Mexico  proclaimed  that  he  was  dead. 

So  o'er  the  sea,  by  brigantine,  he  sped. 

But  thrice  was  backward  swept  by  wind,  and  wave, 

And  nigh  beneath  the  billows  found  his  grave. 

At  last  on  Cuba's  shore  his  bark  Vv^as  cast, 

And  two  long  years  of  pain  had  o'er  him  passed — 

Since  he  from  Mexico  had  turned  his  face — 

Ere  he  returned  to  his  accustomed  place. 

Then  like  a  pilgrim  from  the  grave  he  came, 

His  rights  as  chief  of  Mexico  to  claim. 

This  fanned  the  flame  of  his  expiring  fame  ; 

And  men  with  bated  breath  pronounced  his  name. 

'T  was  like  a  resurrection  from  the  dead, 

And  wonder,  through  the  land,  his  coming  spread."* 

The  shadow  of  his  former  self  he  seemed. 

And  ardor  in  his  eye  no  longer  beamed. 

For  he  was  sick  in  body,  and  in  mind. 

And  deemed  that  Fortune  was  no  longer  kind, 

While  former  friends,  of  foes  had  played  the  part ; 

But  his  reception  warmed  his  drooping  heart. 

In  triumph  o'er  his  enemies  he  rode, 

And,  bright  with  hope,  again  the  future  glowed. 

Not  long  howe'er  this  triumph  he  enjoyed. 

His  joy  with  sorrow  soon  became  alloyed. 

For  Spain  humiliation  dealt  him  now. 

And  to  another  he  was  forced  to  bow.f 

*He  returned  to  Mexico,  in  June,  1526. 
t  Louis  Ponce  de  Leon  arrived  in  Mexico  in  July,  1526,  to 
supersede  Cortez  temporarily  in  the  government,  and  investi- 
gate charges  made  against  him  to  the  Court  of  Madrid.    He 
died  within  a  few  weeks,  but  delegated  his  authority. 


346  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

O'er  his  success  his  foes  had  bitter  grown, 

And  calumny,  with  tongues  of  hatred,  sown. 

"  Aspersed,  accused,  I  will  not  linger  here. 

But  go  to  Spain,  and  prove  my  record  clear," 

Said  Cortez  proudly,  and  he  boldly  sailed 

To  meet  whoe'er  his  character  assailed. 

The  comrades  he  had  trusted  long,  and  most — 

Whose  deeds  of  glory  were  their  country's  boast — • 

Went  with  him  on  his  voyage  o'er  the  main, 

And,  with  rejoicing,  saw  the  shores  of  Spain. 

The  port  of  Palos  burst  upon  their  view. 

And  there  they  first  heard  tidings  of  Peru, 

For  Cortez  by  Pizarro  then  was  told 

Of  that  far  country  of  romance,  and  gold,"* 

From  which  he  came  for  needed  aid  to  sue, 

To  rally  round  him,  too,  a  warlike  crew. 

But,  newly  found,  it  still  unconquered  lay — 

A  western  wonder,  and  a  rich  Cathay — 

Already  doomed  to  fall  an  easy  prey 

To  ruthless  hands  whose  mission  was  to  slay. 

"  A  noble  conquest  you  have  bravely  won  ; 

And  I  my  work  begin  when  yours  is  done  ! " 

Exclaimed  the  future  hero  of  Peru. 

"Be  to  yourself,  your  Cross,  and  country  true. 

And  as  I've  done  you,  too,  perchance  may  do," 

Said  Cortez,  in  reply  : — "  Behold  we  meet 

Where  great  Columbus  landed  from  his  fleet 

When  first  he  from  the  New  World  came  to  tell 

The  story  of  the  work  he  did  so  well. 

But  five,  and  thirty  years  since  then  have  passed, 

Yet  what  events  are  crowded  in  the  Past ! 

The  New  World  woos  the  Old  World's  enterprise, 

And  vast  achievement  in  its  future  lies." 

*  Cortez  reached  Palos  in  May,  1528,  and  there  met  Pizarro 
who  had  just  arrived  from  the  Pacific  to  solicit  aid  and  au- 
thority, for  his  conquest  of  Peru,  which  he  had  just  discovered. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  347 

At  Palos  Death  took  Sandoval  away, 

While  Cortez  knelt  beside  his  bed  to  pray. 

He  sadly  mourned  his  comrade,  true  and  brave, 

And  wept,  in  tender  sorrow,  o'er  his  grave.* 

Then  onward  to  Toledo  he  repaired. 

And  like  a  monarch  on  his  journey  fared, 

For  Aztec  chieftains  swelled  his  pomp,  and  train, 

And  Spanish  nobles  welcomed  him  to  Spain. 

The  people  thronged  the  conqueror  to  view, 

And  gazed  in  wonder  on  his  retinue. 

Since  first  Columbus  from  the  New  World  came 

No  son  of  Spain  had  earned  such  splendid  fame, 

And — Charles — the  haughty  monarch  of  Castile — 

A  greeting  gave  which  filled  his  heart  with  weal. 

The  man  the  monarch  had  been  told  to  fear, 

As  one  who  to  the  throne  would  ne'er  give  ear, 

But  make  himself  of  Mexico  the  king. 

And  at  his  native  land  defiance  fling, 

Had  come  a  loyal  vassal  to  the  throne, 

Not  claiming  aught  he'd  conquered  as  his  own. 

The  Marquess  of  the  Valley  he  became,t 

And  royal  honors  clustered  round  his  name, 


♦Gonzalo  de  Sandoval  died  at  the  age  of  thirty-one. 

t  The  Emperor  Charles  V.  conferred  the  title  of  Marquess 
of  the  Valley  upon  Cortez  on  July  6,  1529,  together  with  vast 
estates  in  Mexico.  He  also  gave  him  the  rank  of  Captain- 
General  of  New  Spain  and  the  South  Sea  coasts,  but  would 
not  restore  him  to  the  Governorship,  a  Viceroy  of  Mexico  with 
concurrent  military  authority  being  subsequently  appointed, 
in  the  person  .of  Don  Antonio  de  Mendoza.  It  was  the 
policy  of  the  Crown  to  encourage  him,  and  explorers  generally, 
as  discoverers,  but  not  as  rulers  of  the  countries  they  had  con- 
quered. We  saw  a  conspicuous  instance  of  this  in  the  case 
of  Columbus.  Cortez  was  thereupon  presented  with  a  charter 
giving  him  the  right  to  explore  and  conquer,  at  his  own  ex- 
pense wherever  he  pleased  in  the  Southern  ocean,  his  compen- 
sation to  be  one  twelfth  of  all  his  discoveries. 


348  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

While  wealth  in  lands  with  these  the  Monarch  gave 
As  just  rewards  for  enterprise  so  brave. 

Thus  basking  in  the  favor  of  the  Crown, 

And  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  renown, 

With  traces  still  of  youth,  and  comely  looks, 

A  mind  not  wholly  uninformed  by  books, 

And  manners  that  were  courtly,  and  refined, 

Which  brilliance  with  gentleness  combined — 

Bland,  winning,  always  elegant,  and  kind — 

The  hero  of  the  conquest  wooed  his  bride 

And  led  her  captive  with  exulting  pride, 

For  she  was  lovely  in  her  form,  and  face, 

Her  youth,  and  beauty,  glorified  by  grace — 

A  noble  creature  of  a  noble  race.* 

With  her — the  joy  of  these  his  halcyon  days — 

Existence  seemed  a  dream  of  love,  and  praise, 

And  both,  ere  long,  together  crossed  the  deep, 

His  riches  in  the  conquered  land  to  reap. 

There,  on  his  laurels,  he  reposed  awhile. 

And  made  the  cultured  earth,  in  harvests,  smile, 

While  with  abundance  Ceres  blessed  his  toil, 

And  brought  him  riches  from  the  teeming  soil. 

At  length  he  wearied  of  his  calm  pursuits. 

And,  in  adventure,  sought  for  other  fruits. 

He  yearned  to  find,  and  conquer,  regions  new. 

And  of  the  future  glowing  pictures  drew. 

Both  north,  and  west,  his  squadrons  ranged  the  main, 

But  little  glory  brought  to  him,  or  Spain,* 

*This  the  second  wife  of  Cortez  was  Juana,  daughter  of 
Count  de  Aguilar,  and  niece  of  the  Duke  de  Bejar. 

t  Cortez  fitted  out  two  squadrons  in  1532,  and  1533,  for  dis- 
covery to  the  northwest,  on  the  Pacific,  and  another  in  July, 
1539,  which  resulted  in  important  contributions  to  geographi- 
cal discovery  along  the  Pacific  coast,  but  in  the  loss  of  three 
hundred  thousand  castellanos  of  gold  to  Cortez,  whereby  he 
was  much  embarrassed  during  the  rest  of  his  life. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  349 

Though  they  had  ranged  the  ocean  far,  and  wide, 

From  Rio  Colorado's  blushing  tide 

To  Panama's  bright  island-studded  bay, 

And  to  the  isle  of  Cedros,  far  away, 

Where,  rich  in  treasure,  California  lay. 

Of  these  adventures  Cortez  met  the  cost. 

"  Three  hundred  thousand  castellanos  lost, 

And  not  a  ducat  gained," — he  murmured  low, 

*•  Is  all  I  have  for  all  I've  done  to  show  ! 

Though  rich  before  I,  now,  am  poor  in  purse. 

And  I  have  borrowed  gold,  and,  worse,  oh!  worse, 

I've  pawned  the  very  jewels  of  my  wife. 

And  made  myself  a  slave  to  Debt  for  life !  " 

But  he  the  Sea  of  Cortez  had  explored,* 

And  Science  gained  a  triumph  o'er  the  Sword. 

While  thus,  an  errant  knight,  he  roved  the  sea 

His  bride  had  sighed — "  He'll  ne'er  come  back  to 

me  ! " 
For  she  within  her  palace  walls  was  left 
Of  much  for  which  she  yearned  too  long  bereft. 
And  shipwreck  oft  was  pictured  to  her  mind 
As  in  the  night  she  listened  to  the  wind. 
Alone,  and  but  a  stranger  in  the  land, 
She  felt  the  absence  of  a  guiding  hand, 
And  when  the  tidings  came  that  he  had  come, 
She  wept  in  gladness,  and  with  joy  was  dumb. 

Though  baffled,  still  for  conquest  Cortez  yearned, 

And  to  the  north  his  eager  eyes  were  turned. 

Another  expedition  he  designed 

Another  land  like  Mexico  to  find. 

But  here  Mendoza  t  foiled  him  in  his  plan, 

And  placed  the  enterprise  beneath  his  ban, 

*  The  Gulf  of  California. 
t  The  Spanish  Viceroy. 


350  THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

And  curbed  him  here,  and  there,  in  divers  ways. 

"  Not  thus,"  said  Cortez,  "  I  will  spend  my  days, 

To  see  my  rights  so  filched  from  me  away. 

Before  the  Crown  my  wrongs  I'll  quickly  lay, 

And  go  in  person  to  the  Spanish  court, 

Mendoza's  interference  to  report." 

To  those  he  loved  he  fondly  said  adieu. 

And  toward  the  Old  World  vanished  from  the  New. 

His  son,  and  heir,  a  boy  of  tender  age,  * 

Alone  was  sharer  in  this  pilgrimage. 

The  Monarch,  then,  was  absent  from  his  realm, 

And  Spain  was  like  a  ship  without  a  helm, 

But  to  the  Royal  Council  he  complained, 

And  hoped — how  vainly  ! — he  his  suit  had  gained. 

Long,  long  he  lingered,  suing  for  his  rights, 

Through  weary  days  of  pain,  and  sleepless  nights. 

All  barren  proved  where  wealth  he  hoped  to  find. 

For  justice  here  was  slow  as  well  as  blind. 

At  length  Castile's  proud  Emperor  returned, 

And  from  his  lips  the  wrongs  he  suffered  learned. 

But  Cortez  was  no  more  the  shining  star 

Which  once  had  beamed  so  grandly  from  afar. 

Pizarro's  star  had  flashed  upon  the  view. 

And  fixed  the  eyes  of  Europe  on  Peru, 

While  Cortez  stood  eclipsed  by  heroes  new. 

The  Monarch  heeded  little  his  apjDcal, 

And  cold  he  felt  the  heart  of  Old  Castile, 

But  still  he  waited,  suing  for  his  due. 

And  years  elapsed  ere  he  despairing  grew. 

Then  he  began  for  Mexico  to  yearn. 

And  pictured  bliss  in  store  on  his  return. 

For  there  his  bride,  a  lordless  lady,  sighed, 


*Don  Martin,  eight  years  of  age.  The  voyage  was  made 
in  1540,  ten  years  after  the  return  of  Cortez  to  Mexico  with 
his  second  wife,  the  Marchioness. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  MEXICO.  351 

And  back  she  longed  to  see  him  at  her  side, 

And  consolation  sought  in  solitude, 

And  o'er  her  desolation  loved  to  brood. 

But  ere  he  left  his  native  land  behind, 

And  while  for  home,  and  kin,  he  sadly  pined, 

He  sickened,  slowly  sank,  and  calmly  died,  * 

And  o'er  his  corse  his  son,  in  sorrow,  cried. 

Spain's  greatest  nobles  bore  him  to  the  grave, 

And  Seville  mourned  the  loss  of  one  so  brave,  t 

Thus  passed  the  hero  from  the  world  away, 

Aspiring  to  a  realm  of  endless  day, 

Nor  shrinking  from  his  journey  to  its  shore 

Across  the  gulf  that  all  at  last  explore. 

*Cortez  was  taken  sick  at  Seville  on  his  way  to  embark  for 
Mexico,  and  on  the  2cl  of  December,  1547 — more  than  seven 
years  after  his  last  return  from  Mexico — he  died  at  the 
neighboring  village  of  Castilleja  de  la  Cuesta,  in  the  sixty- 
third  year  of  his  age.  His  son,  then  fifteen  years  of  age,  was 
with  him  when  he  expired,  and  he  left  besides  three  daugh- 
ters by  his  second  wife,  then  residing  in  Mexico,  all  of  whom 
made  brilliant  marriages. 

t  Cortez  was  buried  with  pomp  in  the  Monastery  of  San 
Isidro  in  Seville,  but  in  1562  his  remains  were  removed  to 
Mexico  by  order  of  his  son,  Don  Martin,  and  placed  in  the 
Monastery  of  St.  Francis  in  Tezcuco.  In  1629  the  remains 
were  again  removed,  and  on  the  decease  of  Don  Pedro,  the 
fourth  Marquess  of  the  Valley,  they  were  transferred  by  the 
government  to  the  Church  of  St.  Francis,  in  the  city  of  Mex- 
ico, and  re-interred  with  great  ceremony.  In  1794  they  weiC 
removed  to  the  Hospital  of  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  The  male 
line  of  the  Marquesses  of  the  Valley  became  extinct  in  the 
fourth  generation,  when  the  title  and  estates  descended  to  a 
female  branch. 


BOOK  THE  THIRD. 

THE 
CONQUEST  OF   PERU. 


PREFATORY. 

The  Progress  of  Discovery. 

[Period  from  1530  to  1530.] 

The  sea  was  Europe's  field  of  enterprise, 

And  to  it  nations  looked  with  wistful  eyes. 

A  western  passage  to  the  glowing  East 

Alike  engrossed  the  merchant  and  the  priest, 

And  to  a  science  navigation  grew. 

O'er  the  Atlantic  white-sailed  coursers  flew. 

Thus,  steering  south,  Magellan  found  the  Straits, 

That  to  the  Southern  Ocean  proved  the  gates. 

And,  sailing  through,  the  vast  Pacific  found, 

And  made  his  name  forevermore  renowned.* 

For  Asiatic  shores  he  steered  his  bark. 

But  Death  soon  chose  the  hero  for  its  mark — 

Let  fly  an  arrow  from  its  mighty  bow — 

And  laid  Magellan,  ere  he  reached  them,  low.  t 

*  Magellan  entered  the  famous  Straits  named  after  him  on 
November  7,  1520,  and  on  the  28th  of  the  same  month  sailed 
into  the  great  Southern  Ocean,  which  he  called  the  Pacific. 

t  Ferdinand  Magellan  died  on  the  outward  voyage  to  India. 
He  was  a  Portuguese,  in  the  service  of  Spain. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU,  353 

His  ship,  returning,  passed  by  islands  new — 

The  Phillipines,  all  wondrous  fair  to  view, — 

And  speeding  by  where  Table  Mountain  rose, — * 

Crowned  with  its  .fleecy  coronet  of  snows — 

Sailed  back,  in  triumph,  to  the  coast  of  Spain. 

She  round  the  world  was  first  to  plough  the  main — 

To  circumnavigate  this  earthly  sphere — 

And  make  the  way,  for  those  who  followed,  clear. 

Ere  long  Bermudez,  roving  o'er  the  sea. 

Discovered  islands,  rising  on  his  lee, 

That  in  their  name  immortalized  his  own.  f 

Then  Verrazzani  on  the  ocean  shone — 

His  flag  the  Fleur-de-lis  of  France, — 

Whose  ship  was  named  befittingly — "  Advance," 

His  mission  north,  the  mainland  to  explore. 

Eight  hundred  leagues  of  our  Atlantic  shore, 

From  Florida  to  Massachusetts  Bay — 

He  journeyed  past  upon  his  wat'ry  way ; 

Then  onward,  with  exploring  ardor,  steered, 

And  soon  bleak,  rocky  Nova  Scotia  neared. 

But  perished,  in  the  end,  a  castaway, 

Though  when  or  how  no  mortal  e'er  could  say. 

Italians  were  famous  on  the  deep. 

Yet,  though  they  found,  they  ever  failed  to  keep, 

And  in  the  New  World  ne'er  a  rood  of  soil 

Rewarded  them  for  all  their  zeal  and  toil. 

They  strove  for  others,  who  the  glory  won, 

And    reaped    rewards    for    deeds    that    they    had 

done. 
Columbus  gave  the  western  world  to  Spain, 
And  Cabot  crossed  the  main  for  Britain's  gain — 


*  The  Table  Mountain,  near  the  entrance  to  Table  Bay, 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  so  called  by  John  the  Second,  after  being 
named  by  Diaz  the  Stormy  Cape. 

t  The  Bermudas  were  discovered  in  1522  by  Juan  Bermudez. 


354  THE  CONQUEST  OE  PERU. 

Though,  too,  he  sailed  for  Spain,  in  later  clays,  * 

To  search  for  Ophir's,  and  Cipango's  bays, 

And  gaze  on  Tharsis — great  in  ancient  lore — 

And  riches  draw  from  its  abundant  store. 

But  though  toward  oriental  goals  he  toiled, 

Disasters,  one  by  one,  his  purpose  foiled ; 

Yet  where  Brazil  blooms  under  blushing  skies 

He  well  displayed  his  hardy  enterprise. 

Through  virgin  forests,  where  La  Plata  flowed. 

He,  on  its  azure  tide,  far  inland,  rowed  ; 

And  saw  the  Uruguay,  with  smiling  face. 

The  waters  of  San  Salvador  embrace  ; 

And  ploughed  the  Paraguay  two  hundred  lengues, 

While  braving  countless  perils  and  fatigues. 

Mendoza  followed  where  he'd  paved  the  way. 

And  Buenos  Ayres  rose  beneath  his  sway.t 

To  Florida,  the  land  of  endless  bloom — 

Where  many  went  for  wealth,  but  found  a  tomb — 

Spain  looked  as  to  a  region  of  delight. 

Where  all  was  bright,  and  lovely  to  the  sight, 

And  Luke  Velasquez,  eager  to  explore. 

Sailed  once  again  to  cruise  along  its  shore  \% 

But  he,  ere  long,  deplored,  he  e'er  embarked, 

*  Cabot,  not  finding  public  patronage  in  England,  sought 
employment  from  vSpain,  and  in  1526  sailed  from  Seville  with 
five  vessels,  but  owing  to  shipwreck,  mutiny  and  the  want  of 
provisions,  he  was  unable  to  pass  through  the  Straits  of  Ma- 
gellan. He  therefore  landed  on  the  east  coast  of  South 
America,  and  explored  the  rivers  La  Plata  and  Uraquay,  and 
then  remained  two  years  on  the  Paraguay,  after  which  he  re- 
turned to  Spain. 

t  Pedro  de  Mendoza,  with  twelve  ships  and  two  thousand 
men,  reached  the  river  La  Plata  in  1535,  and  made  settlements 
there,  and  on  the  Paraguay. 

\  He  sailed  with  three  ships  in  1524,  four  years  after  his 
first  expedition,  when  he  kidnapped  a  number  of  natives  for 
the  slave  market.  One  of  his  ships  was  wrecked,  and  two  hun- 
dred of  his  men  were  cut  off  by  the  natives. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  355 

For  by  misfortunes  all  his  course  was  marked. 

Then  Narvaez  sailed  to  claim  it  for  the  Crown,* 

And  make  a  conquest  pregnant  with  renown, 

His  laurels,  lost  in  Mexico,  regain, 

And  from  his  reputation  wash  the  stain , 

But  warlike  natives  drove  him  from  the  land, 

And,  still  in  sight  of  its  alluring  strand. 

His  ship  was  swallowed  by  the  raging  sea. 

Which  swept  him,  too,  into  eternity. 

Then  Gomez  from  Corunna  ploughed  his  way  f 

To  find  an  eastern  passage  to  Cathay, 

And  searched  among  the  seas  where  summer  smiles, 

For  storied  regions — the  Molucca  isles. 

He  found  them  ne'er,  but  Cuban  waters  wooed, 

And  continental  shores,  with  wonder  viewed. 

Of  natives  of  Castile  'twas  long  his  boast 

That  he  was  first  to  skirt  this  northern  coast. 

Adventure  spread  its  sails  from  Britain's  shore. 
The  western  world,  with  ardor,  to  explore. 
And,  through  it,  seek  a  passage  to  the  East, 
And  on  its  splendors  and  its  riches  feast. $ 

*  Pamphilo  de  Narvaez  having  received  a  commission  from 
Charles  V.  to  conquer  and  govern  Florida,  sailed  in  March, 
1528,  with  five  ships  and  four  hundred  men,  but  after  disas- 
trous encounters  with  the  natives,  he  was  lost  off  the  coast 
in  November  the  same  year,  and  the  enterprise  failed. 

t  Stephen  Gomez  was  sent  by  Charles  V.,  Emperor  of  Spain, 
in  1525  on  this  mission,  and  he  was  the  first  Spaniard  who 
sailed  along  the  northern  coast  of  America,  he  having  on 
his  return  voyage,  after  sighting  Florida,  gone  as  far  north  as 
Cape  Razo  in  the  46th  degree  of  north  latitude. 

X  In  1526  Thomas  Tison,  an  Englishman,  was  resident  in 
the  West  Indies  ;  and  in  1527  two  ships  equipped  by  Henry 
VIII.  sailed  to  search  for  a  northwest  passage  to  India. 
One  of  these  was  wrecked  on  the  shores  of  Newfoundland, 
but  the  other  returned  to  England.  William  Hawkins  of 
Plymouth,  also,  voyaged  to  Brazil  about  this  time. 


356  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Thus  Hawkins  to  Brazil  his  way  pursued, 

And  gorgeous  scenes  of  tropic  beauty  viewed,* 

While  France  again  adventured  on  the  sea, 

And  Cartier  sailed — his  ship — the  "  Fleur-de-lis  "- 

And  to  the  broad  St.  Lawrence  found  his  way, 

But  saw  no  passage  leading  to  Cathay — 

The  geographic  phantom  of  the  day.f 

Another  voyage  made  the  gallant  Gaul, 

And  gave  its  royal  name  to  Montreal 

Ere  Champlain,  De  la  Roche,  and  Roberval 

Had  journeyed  from  the  New  World  to  the  Old, 

And  glory  won  as  navigators  bold. 

Champlain  of  these  was  blazoned  most  by  Fame, 

And  in  the  noble  Lake  which  bears  his  name 

He  lives  a  deathless  hero  of  renown. 

Not  thus  Columbus  has  been  handed  down 

On  this  great  New  World  continent  of  ours. 

But  none  the  less  on  high  Columbus  towers. 

Americus  %  America  has  named, 

But  in  Columbia  is  Columbus  famed, 

And  laurels  evermore  will  round  him  twine. 

Too  oft  caprice  and  accident  combine 

To  dim  the  deeds  that  best  deserve  to  shine. 


*  William  Hawkins  of  Plymouth  returned  to  England  from 
his  voyage  to  Brazil  in  1530,  a  native  chief  accompanying 
him. 

t  Cartier,  with  a  squadron  of  three  ships,  sailed  from  France 
on  May  19,  1535,  and  arrived  off  Newfoundland  on  August  10, 
15^5,  which"  being  the  day  of  St.  Lawrence  the  name  of  that 
martyr  was  given  to  the  gulf  opening  before  the  expedition. 
In  September  of  the  same  year  the  vessels  ascended  the  riter 
and  anchored  at  the  island  since  known  as  Orleans.  From  this 
Cartier  proceeded  in  a  boat  to  the  principal  Indian  settlement 
on  the  island  of  Hochelaga,  where  the  city  of  Montreal  nov/ 
stands,  at  the  foot  of  a  hill  which  Cartier  called  Mont-Real 
(Royal  Mountain.) 

%  Americus  Vespucius. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU,  357 


PART  I. 
Preparing  for  the  Conquest  of  Peru. 

[Period  from  X525  to  1533-] 

The  Aztec  conquest  stirred  the  wond'ring  world, 

And  bold  explorers'  sails  anew  unfurled 

To  seek  some  undiscovered  Mexico 

From  which  both  fame  and  boundless  wealth  would 

flow, 
And,  magnet-like,  Peru  attracted  these — 
By  Indian  signs,  the  marvel  of  the  Seas. 

Ere  Vasco  Nunez  de  Balboa  died 
In  view  of  the  Pacific's  waters,  wide, 
That  martyred  hero — deathless  be  his  fame — 
Heard  stories  of  a  land — Peru  by  name,* 
And  planned  adventure  to  its  distant  shore. 
Paved,  he  was  told,  with  gems  and  golden  ore, 
But  death  cut  short  his  truly  grand  career, 
And  Justice  o'er  his  murder  shed  a  tear. 
Pedrarias,  his  slayer,  little  knew 
In  losing  him,  perchance,  he  lost  Peru, 
For  years  went  by,  and  still  unfound  it  lay, 
And  ere  its  conquest  he  had  passed  away.f 
Yet  on  the  sea  not  idle  had  been  Spain. 
From  Panama  her  ships  had  ranged  the  main 
In  quest  of  that  chimera  of  the  age — 
Which  led  Columbus  to  his  pilgrimage —  . 

*  Vasco  Nunez  De  Balboa  was  beheaded  by  order  of 
Pedrarias,  the  governor  of  Darien,  in  1517,  and  the  conquest 
of  Peru  did  not  take  place  till  1533 — 1534,  while  Pedrarias 
was  superseded  in  the  governorship  in  1527. 

t  Peru  under  the  Incas  was  called  Tavantinsuyu^  signifying 
•'  the  four  quarters  of  the  World." 


358  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

A  Strait  that  linked  the  oceans  by  its  span, 
And  led  from  Europe  through  to  Hindostan. 
Thus  to  the  north  the  coast  had  been  explored, 
And  conquered  by  the  all-unsparing  sword. 
The  Spanish  flag  o'er  Costa  Rica  waved; 
The  Spanish  troops  had  Nicaragua  braved  ; 
Veragwa*  was  a  conquest  at  their  hands, 
And  far  they  plunged  into  Honduras  lands, 
Where — ruling  o'er  the  dusky  native  race — 
They  met  the  troops  of  Cortez  face  to  face. 
'T  was  not  till  dazzled  by  the  enterprise 
Which  Mexico  presented  to  their  eyes 
That,  one  and  all,  they  felt  an  impulse,  new. 
To  seek  and  conquer  beautiful  Peru. 
Then  from  their  ranks  Pizarro  forward  stood, 
Prepared  for  deeds  of  blood  on  field  or  flood. 

II. 

Pizarro  was  no  longer  young,  but  brave, 
And  felt  no  fear  of  danger,  or  the  grave, 
For  he  had  in  the  New  World  long  explored. 
And  carved  his  way  to  glory  with  the  sword,  f 
Yet  Fortune  ne'er  had  blessed  his  lot  with  gold, 
Though,  in  the  future,  wealth  he  saw,  untold. 
If  he  could  but  discover  that  Peru, 
Which  almost  seemed  to  lie  within  his  view, 

*  Veragua. 

t  Francisco  Pizarro  was  bom  in  Truxillo,  in  Estramadura, 
Spain,  about  147 1,  and  was  therefore  about  fifty  years  old  at 
the  time  of  the  conquest  of  Mexico  in  1521.  It  is  uncertain 
when  he  emigrated  to  the  New  World,  but  history  first  makes 
mention  of  him  at  Hispaniola  in  1510.  He  was  afterwards 
one  of  the  followers  of  Balboa,  in  Darien,  and  was  with  him 
at  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  the  Pacific.  Subsequently  he 
settled  at  Panama,  with  Pedrarias,  and  took  part  in  the  expe- 
ditions to  the  north. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU,  359 

For  he  had  heard  vague  rumors  of  the  land 
Since  first  he  reached  the  vast  Pacific's  strand. 
But  one  with  ducats,  and  with  enterprise, — 
Who'd  ever  looked  on  him  with  kindly  eyes — 
He  found  in  Luque — a  vicar  of  the  church — * 
Who  gave  his  purse  to  aid  him  in  the  search  ; 
And  one  with  courage  equal  to  his  own. 
Who  with  himself  to  local  fame  had  grown, 
In  Diego  de  Almagro  he  perceived. 
With  favor  he  Pizarro's  plans  received. 
And  in  a  common  cause  embarked  the  three, 
To  gather  wealth,  and  laurels  from  the  sea. 
A  vessel  these  equipped,  and  quickly  manned — 
Her  hundred  headed  crew,  a  reckless  band — 
Of  which  Pizarro  took  supreme  command. 
And  to  the  south,  in  Andagoya's  track,"! 
He  sailed  to  find,  to  conquer,  and  to  sack; — 
And  Panama  receded  to  a  speck 
As  he  surveyed  his  kingdom  from  the  deck, 
And  gazed  upon  the  islet-studded  bay 
With  eyes  that  saw  bright  visions  of  Cathay. 
November's  storms  were  coursing  o'er  the  main, 
And  weeping  skies  shed  floods  of  tropic  rain, 

*  Hernando  de  Luque  was  a  Spanish  ecclesiastic,  and 
Vicar  at  Panama,  who  had  control  of  funds,  and  in  this 
transaction  acted  as  the  agent  of  Caspar  de  Espinosa  of 
Panama,  while  Almagro  was  a  soldier  of  fortune,  over  fifty 
years  old,  and  they  became  with  Pizarro  equal  partners  in  the 
expedition  to  the  South.     This  was  in  1524. 

t  Andagoya  had  made  a  voyage  from  Panama  to  the  south 
in  1522,  and  proceeded  as  far  as  a  headland  which  he  called 
Puerto  de  Pinas,  when  he  returned  bringing  more  glowing  ac- 
counts of  the  people  and  countries  beyond  than  had  been 
previously  received.  Pizarro  sailed  from  Panama  with  about 
a  hundred  men  in  the  middle  of  November,  1524,  and  Almagro 
was  to  follow  in  another  and  smaller  vessel  as  soon  as  it 
could  be  equipped,  Pedrarias,  the  governor,  having  consented 
to  the  expedition  in  consideration  of  a  share  of  the  profits. 


36o  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  bravely  on  his  way  Pizarro  held, 
While  high  along  the  coast  the  Andes  swelled — 
Far-stretching,  and  magnificent  to  view, 
O'er  which  the  condor,  sailing  slowly,  flew. 
He  anchored  in  the  river  of  Bird, 
But  finding  naught  to  cheer  him  where  he  lay 
He  to  the  south  again  pursued  his  way. 
Once  more  to  land  where  tangled  thickets  rose — 
Man's  progress  through  the  forest  to  oppose — 
And  then  o'er  ocean  steer  again  his  course. 
Ere  long  rude  tempests  with  appalling  force — 
Their  mighty  thunder,  pealing  loud,  and  hoarse- 
Broke  o'er,  and  nigh  engulphed,  his  crazy  craft, 
Which  seemed  as  unprotected  as  a  raft, 
As  on  the  mountain  waves  it  rose,  and  fell, 
And  reeled,  and  shivered  on  the  bounding  swell, 
While  backward  it  was  beaten  by  the  gale — 
A  helpless  thing,  with  neither  spar,  nor  sail. 
Unceasing  toil,  and  famine,  told  their  tale 
In  wasted  bodies  and  in  wolfish  eyes. 
In  looks  of  anguish,  and  despairing  sighs, 
But  to  the  joy  of  all  on  board,  at  last 
The  vessel  found  a  refuge  from  the  blast. 
Yet  on  the  shore  they  succor  sought  in  vain, 
And  almost  longed  to  sail  again  the  main. 
And  cursed  their  lot,  and  clamored  to  return. 
For  there  no  wealth,  or  laurels  they  could  earn  : 
But  in  Pizarro  they  a  leader  saw. 
Whose  stubborn  will  was  to  himself  a  law. 
He  faced  privation  with  determined  front. 
And  like  a  hero  bore  misfortune's  brunt. 
'  "  To  fail  will  be  my  ruin  !  "  he  exclaimed, 
"And  I  shall  be  by  enemies  defamed. 
Though  all  I  see  around  me  now  is  drear, 
Protected  by  the  Cross  I'll  linger  here. 
While  on,  my  bark  shall,  to  the  islands,  speed. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  361 

To  gather  fruits  my  gallant  troops  to  feed, 

Ere  I  with  them  the  way  to  glory  lead !  " 

His  crippled  ship  receded  from  the  view, 

And  vanished  on  the  distant  waters,  blue ; 

But  long  he  waited  for  that  ship's  return, 

And  vainly  strove  its  coming  to  discern. 

Till  six  sad,  weary  weeks  had  passed  away, 

And  twenty  soldiers  fell  to  death  a  prey. 

Then  far  at  sea  the  welcome  sail  was  seen. 

And  like  a  thing  of  life  it  graced  the  scene. 

The  famished  throng,  ashore,  the  prospect  hailed. 

And  with  abundance  all  were,  soon,  regaled, 

While  ghastly  features  brightened  into  smiles 

Before  the  banquet  from  the  pearly  isles. 

Upon  their  wasted  forms,  and  hollow  eyes 

Their  comrades  gazed  in  pity  and  surprise. 

And  gladly  all  the  Port  of  Famine  fled, 

And  left  a  cross  to  show  where  lay  their  dead. 

Still  to  the  south  his  ship  Pizarro  steered, 

But  from  the  shore  to  wander  far  he  feared, 

And  so  its  windings  slowly  he  pursued. 

And  with  an  anxious  eye  the  prospect  viewed. 

He  searched  for  El  Dorado  day  by  day. 

While  cheered  by  Hope  upon  his  weary  way. 

Anon  he  landed,  and  a  battle  fought, 

And  havoc,  rude,  among  the  Indians  wrought. 

Who,  seeking  vengeance,  then,  invaders  slew. 

While  from  their  bows  their  feathered  arrows  flew.  * 

Discomfited,  Pizarro  sailed  away 

Toward  Panama's  bright  azure-tinted  bay. 

And  landed  at  Chicama  on  its  shore,  f 

For  he  no  more  could  sail  the  ocean  o'er 


*This  was  at  a  headland  called  Pueta  Quemada,  where  five 
Spaniards  were  killed,  and  many  wounded, 
t  A  short  distance  west  of  Panama. 


362  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Until  his  shattered  ship  was  rigged  anew, 

And  fresh  recruits  had  reinforced  his  crew. 

Here  he,  awaiting  her  return,  remained, 

While,  with  the  golden  trophies  he  had  gained, 

She  for  the  city  sailed,  the  tale  to  tell 

Of  cruel  fortunes  that  her  lot  befell : 

And  while  he  waited  with  a  chosen  few 

A  caravel,  one  morning,  near  him  drew. 

It  bore  Almagro,  and  a  warlike  band. 

And  shouts  of  gladness  rose  from  sea,  and  land. 

The  two  old  comrades  then  each  other  faced, 

And  with  a  more  than  Spanish  warmth  embraced.* 

Almagro  told  Pizarro  how  he'd  sailed, 

And  been  by  strange,  and  warlike,  tribes  assailed, 

But  to  discover  countries,  new,  had  failed ; 

How  by  a  weapon  he  had  lost  an  eye. 

And  been  compelled  from  hostile  lands  to  fly  ; 

And  how  he  for  his  comrade  searched  the  main, 

And  coasts,  and  the  horizon  scanned  in  vain. 

Till  fearing  he,  and  all  his  soldiers,  brave. 

Had  in  the  restless  ocean  found  their  grave — 

And  finding  that  his  craft  was  leaking  fast. 

While  stormy  winds  had  sprung  her  only  mast — 

He  homeward  turned  her  weather-beaten  prow. 

And  much  rejoiced  to  find  his  comrade  now.  t 

More  than  Pizarro's,  was  Almagro's  spoil — 

The  fruit  of  daring  and  incessant  toil — 

And  as  they  viewed  the  mass  of  golden  ore, 

With  avaricious  eyes  they  longed  for  more. 


*  Almagro  with  the  assistance  of  Luque  had  fitted  out  a 
small  caravel,  and  sailed  from  Panama,  with  between  sixty 
and  seventy  men,  to  join  Pizarro,  but  not  till  long  after  the 
departure  of  the  latter. 

t  He  had  called  at  the  Pearl  Islands,  and  ascertained  where 
Pizarro  was  to  be  found. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  363 


III. 

Almagro  back  to  Panama  repaired. 

But  to  return,  not  yet  Pizarro  cared. 

His  comrade  to  Pedrarias  appealed, 

And  begged  for  aid  to  plough  this  fallow  field, 

And  reap  the  rich  rewards  that  it  would  yield ; 

But  he  condemned  the  enterprise  as  vain, 

And  spoke  of  bold  Pizarro  with  disdain, 

Yet,  to  that  hero,  Father  Luque  was  true, 

And  placed  his  voyage  in  a  fairer  view, 

By  which  his  friend  Pedrarias  was  won, 

Though  to  Pizarro  justice  scant  was  done. 

He  made  Almagro  equal  in  command, 

With  equal  rights  in  each  discovered  land, 

And  this  Pizarro  learned  with  wounded  pride. 

"  How  cruel  is  Pedrarias  ! "  he  sighed. 

While  of  Almagro,  now,  he  jealous  grew, 

And  murmured — "  He  to  me  has  proved  untrue." 

But  when  the  comrades  met,  Almagro  vowed 

To  wrong  Pizarro  he  was  far  too  proud. 

Yet  by  distrust  Pizarro  was  oppressed, 

And  deep  its  seeds  were  planted  in  his  breast. 

Though  on  the  surface  not  a  ripple  stirred, 

And  from  his  lips  escaped  no  angry  word. 

IV. 

To  Panama  Pizarro  took  his  way, 

For  he  had  grown  impatient  of  delay, 

And  in  returning,  he  had  naught  to  fear, 

For  Luque  had  made  his  path,  and  record  clear. 

These,  with  Almagro,  signed  their  compact  there, 

Which  gave  to  each  of  spoils  an  equal  share, 

While,  for  a  paltry  sum  in  virgin  gold, 


364  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Pedrarias  surrendered  wealth  untold. 
They  then  invoked  a  blessing  from  on  high — 
With  eyes  uplifted  toward  the  beaming  sky — 
On  their  ambitious,  and  unholy  cause, 
Which  violated  Heaven's  primal  laws. 
And  said — "  The  Prince  of  Peace  will  sanctify 
What,  in  his  sacred  name,  we  ratify," 
Forgetting  that  to  plunder,  and  lo  kill 
Were  both  forbidden  by  His  holy  will : 
But,  guided  by  the  spirit  of  their  age 
They  saw  no  wrong  in  such  a  pilgrimage. 
All  infidels  they  deemed  their  proper  prey, 
And  called  on  God  to  arm  them  for  the  fray. 

V. 

An  expedition,  new,  to  journey  south 

Became  the  theme  that  passed  from  mouth  to  mouth. 

With  two  staunch  vessels,  larger  than  the  last — 

Though  each  had  but  a  solitary  mast, 

And  eighty  restless  spirits  for  its  crew — 

Almagro,  and  Pizarro,  for  Peru 

Left  Panama,  and  vanished  from  the  view. 

The  river  of  San  Juan  soon  was  reached ; 

The  Gospel  to  the  heathen  there  was  preached, 

And  from  their  bodies  ornaments  of  gold — 

Which  seemed  unbounded  riches  to  unfold — 

Were  filched  beneath  the  banner  of  the  Cross, 

And  gold  was  mingled  thus  with  earthly  dross. 

*  Pedrarias  relinquished  his  share  of  the  fruits  of  future 
conquest  for  a  thousand  pesos  de  oro  which  was  paid  to  him, 
leaving  the  enterprise  entirely  in  the  hands  of  Pizarro,  Luque, 
and  Almagro,  who  on  the  loth  of  March,  1526,  executed,  with 
much  ceremony,  a  contract  by  which  they  partitioned  equally 
among  themselves  the  countries  they  might  conquer,  Luque 
having  contributed  twenty  thousand /^j-^^j  de  oro  to  entitle  him 
to  an  equal  share  with  his  associates,  who  in  the  event  of  failure 
were  to  be  held  responsible  for  the  repayment  of  this  amount. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  365 

There  where  the  river  wandered  to  the  sea, 

Where  grew  the  cypress,  and  the  ceiba  tree, 

Pizarro  cried — "  I'll  linger  here  a  while, 

And  court  capricious  Fortune's  cheering  smile, 

While  back  Almagro  sails  for  fresh  recruits. 

And  with  him  bears  away  our  golden  fruits. 

To  tempt  the  daring  to  our  enterprise. 

All  Panama  will  see  them  with  surprise. 

And  toward  us  turn  wath  avaricious  eyes. 

Then  while  Almagro  guides  his  bonnie  bark. 

We'll  shed  our  light  on  regions  that  are  dark. 

And  send  our  second  vessel  to  explore 

Still  further  south  this  treasure-pregnant  shore  !  " 

The  ships  receded  slowly  from  the  view, 
Where  sky  was  blended  with  the  ocean's  blue, 
While  from  the  strand  Pizarro  waved  adieu. 
And  for  their  safe  return  devoutly  prayed. 
Then  for  himself  besought  Almighty  aid. 
Time  passed,  and  hard  he  labored  to  explore 
The  deep  recesses  of  that  wooded  shore, 
But  at  each  step  the  forest  denser  grew. 
And  more,  and  more,  umbrageous  in  its  hue. 
The  Andes  towered  in  the  distance,  high. 
Each  snow-clad  peak  aspiring  to  the  sky, 
While  far  below  the  terraced  hills  were  spread. 
And  to  the  giant  mountains  grandly  led. 
Ravines  of  vast   and  shady  depth  were  seen. 
Where  flowers  lighted  up  the  forest's  green, 
And  lent  a  tropic  beauty  to  the  scene. 
There  birds  by  Nature  painted  to  adorn, 
With  vocal  sounds  gave  welcome  to  the  morn, 
With  plumage  splendid  as  the  rose's  bloom. 
Contrasting  gayly  with  the  sylvan  gloom, 
While  monkeys  leapt,  and  chattered  in  the  trees, 
And  blossoms  gave  their  incense  to  the  breeze  : 


366  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  there  huge  serpents  lay  in  massive  coils — 
And  woe  to  those  who  fell  within  their  toils — 
And  alligators  hungered  for  their  prey. 
With  darkness  the  Sultana  of  the  Night 
Shed  over  all  her  placid,  silver  light, 
And  to  and  fro,  before  his  dreamy  eyes, 
In  countless  numbers  danced  the  fiery  flies. 
Thick  were  the  dangers  of  his  tangled  way, 
For  native  hosts  attacked  him  day  by  day, 
And  he  beheld  his  forces  melt  away. 
Subsisting  on  the  forest's  scanty  fare — 
The  cocoa-nut,  batata,  prickly  pear, 
The  fruit  of  mangroves,  and  the  yellow  maize — 
They  yet  to  God  for  these  gave  fervent  praise. 
But  by  degrees  they  famine-stricken  grew. 
And  oft  they  bent  the  knee,  for  help  to  sue. 
At  length  there  hove  a  welcome  sail  in  sight,* 
And  famished  figures  trembled  with  delight. 
The  pilot  Ruiz  soon  his  story  told, 
And  to  Pizarro  gave  both  gems,  and  gold, 
For  he  had  found  a  country  rich,  and  new, 
And  heard  great  tidings  of  the  land  Peru, 
And  seen  the  raft-like  bolsa  sailing  near 
With  feelings  both  of  wonder,  and  of  fear ; 
And  where  it  then  on  ocean  wooed  the  breeze, 
Its  form  the  wand'rer  still,  in  gazing,  sees. 
Ere  long  another  vessel  was  discerned. 
And  cries  arose — "  Almagro  has  returned  !  " 
With  fresh  recruits — full  eighty  men — he  came 
To  gather  wealth,  and  win  his  way  to  fame, 
And  he  was  greeted  by  his  comrades  there 
With  ringing  shouts  of  joy  that  rent  the  air. 


*  This  was  several  weeks  after  the  departure  of  Ruiz,  who 
had  sailed  as  far  as  Punta  de  Pasado,  about  half  a  degree 
south. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  367 

Then  southward  both  the  barks  together  steered, 

And  here  and  there  the  coast  for  shelter  neared, 

For  high  the  winds,  and  waves,  at  times  would  rise> 

And  threaten  with  defeat  their  enterprise. 

The  Isle  of  Gallo,  and  St.  Matthew's  Bay, 

Broke  on  their  view  like  visions  of  Cathay. 

The  hand  of  Culture  beautified  the  scene. 

And  man,  unlike  the  savage,  here  was  seen. 

Balsamic  trees  their  fragrant  odors  shed, 

And  luscious  fruits  hung  thickly  overhead, 

While  the  cacao  in  plantations  grew, 

And  in  and  out  of  ceibas  parrots  flew. 

Along  the  coast  of  Quito  there  were  towns 

Embosomed  in  the  palm-trees'  spreading  crowns ; 

And  picturesque,  and  lovely  to  the  eye. 

The  country  seemed  beneath  its  azure  sky, 

But  native  hosts  assembled  on  the  strand, 

And  warned  the  strange  invaders  from  the  land. 

Pizarro,  and  Almagro  then  returned — 

Though  for  the  riches  of  the  clime  they  yearned — 

To  gather  fresh  recruits  to  swell  their  train. 

And  fight  the  battles  of  crusading  Spain. 

Almagro  sailed  to  Panama  again. 

And  left  behind  Pizarro,  and  his  men 

To  mourn  their  lot  on  Gallo's  island  shore 

Till  he  came  back,  and  succor  to  them  bore ; 

For  they  were  sore  oppressed  by  woes,  and  want — 

A  famished  crew,  with  features  wan  and  gaunt. 

And,  save  their  leaders,  all  would  fain  have  fled 

Back  to  those  homes  from  which  their  course  had 

led. 
Pizarro  saw  with  pain  their  discontent. 
And  back  to  Panama  his  vessel  sent, 
With  those  on  board  who  clamored  most  to  leave, 
Or  who  were  prone  malicious  plots  to  weave. 
Thus  from  the  world  he  cast  himself  aloof. 


368  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  chose  the  vault  above  him  for  his  roof. 
There,  with  his  crew,  upon  that  desert  isle — 
Where  Fortune  on  his  lot  ne'er  shed  a  smile — 
He  passed  long  weary  weeks  of  anxious  pain. 
And  day  by  day  he  heard  them  oft  complain, 
And  watched  the  while  for  succor  from  the  main. 
Subsisting  on  the  products  of  the  soil, 
Gleaned  from  the  forest  by  unceasing  toil. 

VI. 

In  Panama  Almagro  told  his  tale, 

And  asked  for  fresh  recruits  with  him  to  sail, 

But  deep  distress  was  pictured  in  his  crew. 

And  few  there  were  but  now  distrustful  grew. 

Don  Pedro*  had  condemned  the  enterprise. 

Which  seemed  a  wild  adventure  to  his  eyes. 

And  sent  two  ships  Pizarro's  troops  to  save. 

But  to  return  Pizarro  was  too  brave. 

With  sword  in  hand  he  traced  a  sandy  line, 

And  said — "  The  southern  side  of  this  is  mine. 

For  riches,  pleasure,  and  Peru  are  there, 

While  on  the  north  see  hunger,  and  despair  I 

Shun  Panama,  and  poverty,  like  me. 

And  trust  your  fortunes,  comrades,  to  the  sea  !  " 

He  stepped  across  the  line  that  he  had  drawn, 

As  if  he  saw  already  Conquest's  dawn. 

And  thirteen  heroes  followed  where  he  trod, 

Exclaiming — "Hail!     Pizarro!     Trust  in  God!" 

The  rest  in  peace  to  Panama  returned. 

The  fame  and  fortune  they  had  sought,  unearned, 

While  on  that  lonely  isle  Pizarro's  band 

Dreamed,     like    knight-errants,    of     the    promised 

land. 
There — while  before  them  lay  the  ocean  wide — 

*  Pedro  de  los  Rios,  the  successor  of  Pedrarias. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  369 

With  morning  prayers,  and  hymns  at  eventide, 

They  passed  their  weary  days  in  hope,  and  fear, 

And  o'er  their  fortunes  shed,  at  times,  a  tear. 

Without  a  ship,  with  arms  and  raiment  scant, 

And  want  revealed  in  bodies  weak,  and  gaunt, 

They  looked  as  helpless  as  a  shipwrecked  crew, 

And  not  the  future  heroes  of  Peru, 

Whose  names  would  be  embalmed  in  Spanish  lore. 

Ere  long  they  built  a  raft,  and  left  the  shore, 

And  to  Gorgona's  wooded  island  steered, 

Where  Nature  less  unkind  to  man  appeared. 

And  there  from  Panama  awaited  aid. 

And  daily  for  the  needed  succor  prayed, 

For  to  Almagro,  and  the  faithful  Luque 

They  never  ceased  for  help,  and  cheer  to  look. 

But  nigh  eight  long,  and  dreary,  months  had  passed 

Ere  pencilled  on  the  deep  there  rose  a  mast, 

And  with  exulting  hearts  they  cried — "A  sail ! 

A  friendly  sail  from  Panama  !  all  hail !  " 

Though  no  recruits  it — to  Pizarro — bore, 

But  came  to  rescue  those  upon  the  shore, 

It  fanned  the  flame  of  hope  within  his  breast, 

And  gave  to  dreams  of  Conquest  greater  zest. 

He  saw  the  means  to  sail  along  the  shore, 

And  to  the  south  its  wonders,  new,  explore. 

He  gladly  left  the  island  out  of  view. 

And  fair  winds  blew  his  vessel  toward  Peru. 

For  twenty  days  she  ploughed  her  lonely  way, 

Nor  anchored  till  she  reached  a  splendid  bay, 

Which  we,  in  modern  phrase,  call  Guayaquil, 

Where  fluttered  first  the  banner  of  Castile. 

The  Cordilleras,  sweeping  from  the  strand. 

Rose  to  stupendous  heights,  sublimely  grand, 

Capped  far  away  by  Chimborazo's  crown. 

Which,  from  the  heavens,  looked,  in  splendor,  down — 

A  mighty  dome  wreathed  with  eternal  snows, 


370  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

The  image  of  a  giant  in  repose  ; 
While  Cotopaxi's  white  and  dazzling  cone 
Flashed  in  the  lustrous  sun  that  on  it  shone. 
Within  the  bay  a  city — Tumbez — lay, 
And  there  Pizarro  halted  on  his  way, 
And  by  the  hand  of  Plenty  was  supplied, 
For  naught  he  found — to  him,  and  his — denied. 
The  choicest  fruits  that  grew  in  all  the  land 
Were  brought  in  rich  profusion  to  his  hand — 
Bananas,  plantains,  cocoa-nuts,  and  pines, 
And  luscious  berries  clustered  on  their  vines — 
With  tempting  yucca,  and  the  golden  maize. 
While  lovely  maidens,  winning  in  their  ways. 
Brought  lamas,  and  vicunas  to  his  side, 
Which — "  little  camels  " — he  with  pleasure  eyed. 
Their  fawn-like  forms,  and  peerless  fleeces,  fine. 
Which  with  a  living  lustre  seemed  to  shine — 
Their  arching  necks,  and  almost  speaking  eyes 
Filled  him  with  admiration,  and  surprise. 
And  he  conveyed  them  gladly  to  his  ship, 
No  more  in  mountain  solitudes  to  skip. 

VII. 

Still  to  the  south  Pizarro  held  his  way. 
Cheered  by  the  sights  he  saw  from  day  to  day. 
On  Payta,  and  Truxillo  *  then  he  gazed, 
And  by  their  splendors  owned  himself  amazed. 
But  when  the  port  of  Santa  he  had  passed — 
Where  all  he  saw  his  fondest  dreams  surpassed — 
He  turned  his  vessel's  prow,  and  backward  sped. 
While  Hope  its  glow  of  promise  o'er  him  shed,  t 

*  Pronounce — Tro-heil-yo. 

t  He  had  penetrated  to  about  the  ninth  degree  of  south  lati- 
tude or  nine  degrees  further  than  Diaz,  or  any  former  naviga- 
tor, when  he  headed  his  ship  again  toward  Panama. 


or 

T//£  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  371 

His  scanty  crew  forbade  achievement  here, 
Though  conquest  to  his  heart  was  ever  dear, 
But  he  would  to  these  fruitful  shores  return, 
And  glory  for  his  arms,  and  country  earn 
By  winning  them,  a  trophy,  for  the  Crown. 
He  thirsted  for  that  honor,  and  renown. 
He  tarried  here  and  there  along  the  coast. 
Which  of  no  common  loveliness  could  boast, 
And  at  each  town  beheld  a  swarthy  host. 
Who  came  with  friendly  greetings  to  the  shore, 
And  gave  him  presents  that  he  homeward  bore ; 
While  men,  and  maids,  to  merry  music  danced. 
And  eye  to  eye  in  happy  fervor  glanced. 

vni. 

The  warble  of  the  mocking-bird  was  heard 
Through  fragrant  woods  by  balmy  zephyrs  stirred, 
And  piping,  whirring  cardinals  were  seen, 
With  flaming  plumage,  through  the  leafy  green. 
Flamingoes,  bright,  and  scarlet  in  their  hue, 
Flashed  quickly  on,  then  vanished  from,  the  view. 
While  gorgeous  parrots  chattered  as  they  flew. 
And  monkeys  gambolled  in  the  nutty  boughs 
Like  festive  spirits  on  a  long  carouse. 
A  wilderness  of  palms  allured  the  eye. 
And  spread  their  fronds  beneath  the  beaming  sky, 
While  almonds,  and  palmettoes  threw  their  shade 
Where  vegetation  never  seemed  to  fade. 
New  life  so  quickly  followed  on  decay. 
Renewing  ever  what  had  passed  away. 
Its  mighty  shells  the  calabash  displayed, 
And  in  their  bloom  great  aloes  were  arra37ed, 
While  to  the  cedar  passion-flowers  clung, 
And  from  the  cypress  honey-suckles  hung. 
The  cherimoya  held  its  luscious  load  ; 


372  THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  PER  U. 

The  pomegranate,  too,  its  riches  showed  ; 

The  fig  and  date  their  fruit,  and  blossoms,  wore ; 

The  red  banana  tempting  clusters  bore, 

And  the  cacao  bent,  with  burdens,  o'er, 

While  cotton,  and  tabaka,  side  by  side. 

Were  sprinkled  o'er  the  valleys  far  and  wide. 

IX. 

'T  was  now  three  daring  scions  of  Peru, 

With  willing  minds,  were  added  to  his  crew, 

While  of  his  sailors  here  some  begged  to  stay 

To  pass  in  idle  bliss  their  lives  away. 

And  they  were  left  beneath  the  Inca's  sway. 

When  Panama  in  sight  at  last  appeared 

Pizarro  by  the  multitude  was  cheered. 

Since  he  departed  eighteen  months  had  flown, 

And  little  of  his  doings  had  been  known. 

But  now  he  came  as  from  another  world. 

And  tattered  sails,  in  conscious  triumph,  furled. 

Discovered,  but  not  conquered, was  Peru, 

Yet  that  event  was  pictured  to  his  view. 

Where  he  had  been  derided  he  was  praised. 

And  in  his  honor  torches  brightly  blazed. 

His  comrades  warmly  welcomed  his  return, 

And,  in  their  future,  glory  could  discern ; 

But  even  now  they  vainly  asked  for  aid : 

Against  them  those  who  governed  were  arrayed, 

And  it  was  then  decided  to  appeal 

Directly  to  the  monarch  of  Castile. 

With  this  intent  Pizarro  crossed  the  main, 

To  tell  his  story  to  the  Court  of  Spain.  * 

*  The  funds  of  Almagro,  Luque,  and  Pizarro  had  fallen  so 
low  that  it  was  with  difficulty  fifteen  hundred  ducats  were 
raised  to  enable  Pizarro  to  undertake  his  voyage.  He  left 
Panama  in  the  spring  of  1528,  accompanied  by  Pedro  de  Can- 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  373 

A  solitude  of  waters,  vast,  and  blue, 
For  weary  weeks  lay  spread  before  his  view, 
As  on  the  broad  Atlantic's  mighty  swell 
His  creaking  vessel,  trembling,  rose  and  fell, 
Ere  Seville  gave  him  welcome  from  the  sea, 
But  left  him  for  awhile  no  longer  free. 
He  owed  a  debt  he  vainly  strove  to  pay, 
And  to  a  dungeon  he  was  borne  away. 
Exclaiming — "  Debt,  O  tyrant,  see  thy  slave  ! 
'T  is  hard  to  be  a  debtor,  and  be  brave."* 
But  Seville  waxed  indignant  when  she  knew 
A  prison  held  the  hero  from  Peru, 
And  Spain's  proud  monarch  ordered  his  release, 
And  bade  him  to  Toledo  go  in  peace. 
There,  'mid  the  pomp   and  glitter  of  the  Court, 
Pizarro  made  his  marvellous  report. 
And  Charles  the  Fifth  applauded  his  career 
As  to  the  tale  he  gave  attentive  ear, 
And  o'er  his  vassal's  sorrows  shed  a  tear 
As  he  beheld  him  on  his  lonely  isle, 
While  Fortune  on  his  lot  refused  to  smile. 
Deserted,  and  forsaken,  he  had  toiled, 
Nor  in  the  end,  though  thwarted  oft,  been  foiled. 
The  Emperor  approved  his  enterprise. 
And  saw  that  in  Peru  there  lay  a  prize, 
Which  might — who  knew  ? — soon  rival  Mexico, 
And    from    whose    shores    new    streams    of   wealth 
would  flow  ! 


dia,  and  taking  with  him  some  of  the  natives  of  Peru,  as  also 
several  lamas,  and  the  gold  ornaments  presented  to  him  along 
the  coast.  He  reached  Seville  early  in  the  summer  of  the 
same  year. 

*The  Bachelor  Enciso  then  in  Seville,  who  had  taken  part 
in  the  colonization  of  Tierra  Firme,  had  a  claim  against  its 
early  colonists,  of  whom  Pizarro  was  one,  and  hence  the  im- 
prisonment of  the  latter  for  debt. 


374  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  Charles  was  then  absorbed  with  mighty  schemes  : 

Success  was  crowning  his  ambitious  dreams, 

And  he  his  native  kingdom  had  to  leave 

In  Rome  a  crown — as  victor — to  receive. 

His  Gallic  rival  he  had  captive  made, 

Who  at  his  feet  his  sword — defeated — laid ; 

And  in  the  flush  of  triumph  bravely  won — 

For  danger  he  was  never  known  to  shun — 

He  rose,  a  hero,  to  the  German  throne, 

And  sceptre  after  sceptre  called  his  own. 

But  ere  the  monarch  took  his  way  from  Spain, 

In  this  the  heyday  of  his  splendid  reign. 

He  asked  his  Queen  Pizarro's  cause  to  aid. 

And  she  his  prayer  before  her  Council  laid, 

And  gave  him,  as  rewards  for  all  he'd  braved, 

The  rank  and  splendid  honors  that  he  craved.* 

But  ere  't  was  done  a  year  had  passed  away, 

And  he'd  begun  to  sicken  of  delay, 

*  The  Queen  executed  the  Capitulation  defining  the  powers 
and  privileges  of  Pizarro  on  the  26th  of  July,  1529.  It  secured 
to  him  the  right  of  discovery  and  conquest  in  New  Castile,  as 
Peru  was  then  called,  just  as  Mexico  was  originally  called 
New  Spain  for  two  hundred  leagues  south  of  Santiago.  He 
was  created  Governor  and  Captain-General  of  the  Province, 
as  well  as  Adelantado  and  Alguacil  Mayor  for  life,  with  a 
salary  of  seven  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  maravedis. 
Almagro  was  declared  entitled  to  the  rank  of  an  hidalgo,  and 
made  Commander  of  the  fortress  of  Tumbez,  and  Father 
Luque  was  rewarded  with  the  Bishopric  of  Tumbez  and  the 
protectorate  of  the  Indians,  while  Ruiz  was  appointed  Grand- 
Pilot  of  the  Southern  Ocean.  The  remaining  twelve  compan- 
ions of  Pizarro  on  the  desolate  island  were  made  hidalgos  and 
cavalleros.  The  salaries  of  all  embraced  in  the  instrument 
were  to  be  paid  out  of  the  revenues  of  the  conquered  country, 
and  Pizarro  was  required  to  raise  a  well  equipped  force  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  men  at  his  own  expense  within  six  months, 
and  to  be  prepared  to  leave  Panama  six  months  after  his  return 
there  for  Peru,  so  that  the  Crown  had  no  pecuniary  risk  in 
the  expedition. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  375 

For  in  his  purse  the  ducats  fewer  grew, 
And  none  to  fill  it  o'er  again  he  knew. 
Yet  none  the  less  he  gloried  in  success, 
And  prayed  the  Lord  his  enterprise  to  bless, 
While  to  the  Queen  in  rev'rence  deep  he  knelt, 
And  told,  in  words,  the  gratitude  he  felt. 

X. 

Pizarro  to  Truxillo  took  his  way, 

Where  as  a  child  he  grew— a  castaway — 

And  sought  adherents  for  his  enterprise. 

Among  the  masses  who,  with  wistful  eyes. 

Gazed  on  the  hero  from  the  distant  land, 

Who  promised  wealth  to  all  who  joined  his  band ; 

And  those  who  knew  him  in  his  youthful  days. 

When  he  was  given  o'er  to  heedless  ways, 

Were  loudest  now  in  speaking  in  his  praise. 

And  kinsmen  he  had  never  known  before, 

Glad  welcome  gave  him  to  his  native  shore.* 

From  nothing  he  had  raised  himself  on  high. 

And  still  a  brighter  future  could  descry. 

Thus  to  return  to  this  familiar  scene 

Afforded  him  a  pleasure  truly  keen, 

For  here  his  palmy  fortunes  he  displayed, 

Where  he  had  been  a  supplicant  for  aid. 

A  self-made  man  he  gloried  in  his  fame, 

And  vowed  to  make  illustrious  his  name. 

But  though  he  labored  with  determined  will 

His  ranks,  within  the  stated  time,  to  fill. 

He  found  himself  unequal  to  the  task. 

And  for  assistance — humbly — had  to  ask. 


*  Among  these  were  four  brothers,  three  of  them  like  him- 
self, illegitimate,  Gonzalo,  Juan  and  Francisco  Martin — and 
the  other — Hernando— legitimate. 


376  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

'T  was  then  that  Cortez  proved  a  friend  indeed, 
And  filled  his  purse  in  this  his  hour  of  need, 
For  he  for  one  so  hke  himself  could  feel, 
And  dear  he  held  the  honor  of  Castile. 

XL 

At  length  from  San  Lucar  Pizarro  sped, 
While  wintry  skies  no  sunlight  o'er  him  shed. 
'T  was  half  in  stealth  he  sailed,  for  still  his  crew 
Would,  by  the  Crown,  have  been  adjudged  too  few, 
And  more  he  could  not  get,  which  well  he  knew."* 
Three  vessels  formed  the  squadron  he  had  manned, 
And  o'er  which,  now,  he  held  supreme  command. 
These  called  at  the  Canaries  on  their  way. 
Then,  steering  westward,  kissed  again  the  spray. 
And,  with  rejoicing,  reached  the  destined  shore, 
And  welcome  tidings  to  the  New  World  bore. 
Pizarro  found  his  comrades  waiting  there, 
Where  skies  were  bright,  and  balmy  was  the  air. 
From  Panama,  with  speed,  Almagro  came. 
And  greeted  those  who  met  him  with  acclaim. 
While  he  embraced  Pizarro  with  delight. 
And  hailed  him  victor  in  a  noble  fight. 
But  when  he  heard  at  length  Pizarro's  tale. 
Against  him  he  began  to  loudly  rail. 
"  This  perfidy  of  yours  I  cannot  bear; 
With  me  all  honors  you  were  pledged  to  share," 

*  The  six  months  allowed  by  the  terms  of  the  capitulation 
having  expired,  Pizarro  left  St.  Lucar  in  one  of  his  three  vessels 
in  January,  1530,  for  the  Isthmus  of  Darien  via  Gomera — one 
of  the  Canaries — where  his  brother  Hernando  was  to  meet 
him  with  the  remaining  vessels.  He  had  not  recruited  quite 
the  stipulated  number  of  men,  and  having  heard  that  the 
government  officers  were  about  to  visit  his  fleet,  he  left  in 
haste,  and,  false  representations  being  made  as  to  the  number 
on  Pizarro's  vessel,  the  other  two  were  suffered  to  depart. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  377 

Exclaimed  Almagro,  "  but  behold  the  deed  ! 
You  for  yourself,  with  self-debasing  greed, 
Have  sought  rewards  that  equally  were  mine. 
And  in  yourself  tried  guerdons  to  combine. 
Yet  when  you  sailed,  to  plead  our  cause  in  Spain, 
You  vowed  you'd  strive  no  selfish  end  to  gain, 
But  here  you  come,  supreme  in  your  command, 
While  I  am  left  dishonored  in  the  land, 
Though  with  you  I,  an  equal  sharer,  toiled. 
Think  not  Pizarro  thus  that  I'll  be  foiled!  " 
Pizarro  made  excuses  to  his  friend. 
And  strove  his  reputation  to  defend. 
But  anger  lingered  in  Almagro's  breast. 
And  he  was  filled  with  yearnings  and  unrest. 
Ere  long  from  San  Domingo  Luque  returned 
And  of  the  quarrel  of  his  comrades  learned. 
When  quickly  he  espoused  the  peaceful  side. 
And  to  the  right  Pizarro  sought  to  guide, 
Who  yielded  to  his  counsels,  and  exclaimed — 
*'  To  wrong  Almagro  I  would  feel  ashamed  : 
My  equal  still  that  hero  I  will  hold, 
Both  in  his  rank,  and  in  his  share  of  gold, 
And  I  will  to  the  Monarch  of  Castile, 
For  confirmation,  make  a  prompt  appeal.* 
But,  be  it  known,  his  cause  I  made  my  own 
When  suing  for  assistance  from  the  throne. 
And  if  on  me  rewards  too  thickly  fell, 
'T  was  not  because  I  failed  to  serve  him  well. 
I  humbly  took  whate'er  the  Crown  bestowed. 
Yet  told  how  much  I  to  Almagro  owed, 

*  Pizarro  promised  to  relinquish  the  'dignity  of  Adelantado 
in  favor  of  Almagro,  and  to  petition  the  Emperor  to  confirm 
the  act  and  further  to  solicit  a  distinct  government  for  him 
after  the  conquest  of  the  new  country.  He  also  confirmed  the 
contract  with  his  associates  for  an  equal  division  of  the  spoils 
among  them. 


378  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  asked  for  Luque  the  bishopric  he  gained. 

Ingratitude  has  not  my  honor  stained  !  " 

Thus  wrath  by  words  of  kindness  was  appeased, 

And  Luque  with  this  sokition  well  was  pleased, 

Though  still  there  lurked  in  proud  Almagro's  breast, 

That  keen  distrust,  which  robbed  him  of  his  rest. 

And  which  in  time  proclaimed  itself  in  deeds. 

For  here  were  sown  of  tragedy  the  seeds  : 

But  now  the  comrades  joined  their  willing  hands 

To  seek  and  conquer  the  discovered  lands. 

XII. 

But  few  save  those  Pizarro  brought  from  Spain 

Would  with  him  now  adventure  o'er  the  main. 

For  all  well  knew  the  story  of  the  past, 

And  feared  the  next  would  but  repeat  the  last ; 

But  he  was  bold,  and — plus  his  scanty  crew* — 

Sailed,  with  three  ships,  to  conquer  all  Peru, 

They  bore  away  a  consecrated  host 

To  spread  the  gospel  on  a  distant  coast. 

In  solemn  Mass  each  one  had  bowed  the  knee, 

And  vowed  he  would  a  brave  crusader  be. 

And  wet  his  lips  with  sacramental  wine 

Ere  he  began  a  work  he  deemed  divine, 

For  infidels  he  claimed  as  lawful  spoil. 

And  plunder  the  reward  of  all  his  toil. 

At  Panama  Almagro  lingered  still. 

Another  ship  with  fresh  recruits  to  fill. 


*  This,  Pizarro's  third  and  last  expedition,  sailed  in  January, 
1 531,  from  Panama,  and  numbered  a  hundred  and  eighty  men, 
and  twenty-seven  horses,  but  it  was  much  better  provided  with 
arms,  ammunition,  and  equipment  than  any  previous  one 
fitted  out  by  the  associates.  This  was  far  below  what  had 
been  stipulated  for  between  Pizarro  and  the  Crown,  but 
Almagro  remained  at  Panama  to  await  fresh  recruits. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  379 

Ere  he  set  forward  in  Pizarro's  track 
With  him  the  fated  empire  to  attack. 

When  to  St.  Matthew's  Bay  Pizarro  came 

He  landed  in  pursuance  of  his  aim, 

And  with  his  forces  marched  along  the  shore, 

And  from  the  natives  filched  their  golden  ore, 

And  where  they  failed  to  yield  he  shed  their  gore. 

Thus  quickly  he  amassed  a  shining  hoard. 

While  terror  reigned  where'er  was  drawn  the  sword. 

Thence  to  the  ships  the  treasure  was  conveyed. 

Nor  long  upon  the  coast  they  then  delayed, 

But  voyaged  back  to  Panama  with  speed 

To  fan  in  other  breasts  the  flame  of  greed. 

Ere  long  there  came  a  vessel  with  supplies. 
And  Spanish  dons  to  watch  the  enterprise — * 
To  see  that  justice  to  the  Crown  was  done. 
And  claim  its  share  of  all  the  prizes  won. 
Then  fresh  recruits  from  Panama  appeared, 
And  by  Pizarro's  troops  were  loudly  cheered,  f 
The  forward  march  soon  led  to  Guayaquil, 
Where  he  unfurled  the  banner  of  Castile, 
And  to  the  isle  of  Puna,  near,  repaired, 
And  Nature's  bounty  with  the  natives  shared.  X 


*  The  vessel  came  from  the  isthmus  and  brought  the  royal 
treasurer,  the  comptroller  and  other  high  officers  appointed 
by  the  Crown  to  attend  the  expedition.  These  were  to  have 
accompanied  Pizarro  from  Spain,  but  owing  to  his  abrupt 
departure  they  were  obliged  to  follow  him. 

t  This  reinforcement  was  small,  consisting  of  about  thirty 
men  under  an  officer  named  Belalcazar,  who  afterwards 
attained  distinction  in  Peru. 

X  The  island  lies  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  Guayaquil, 
and  is  about  eight  leagues  in  length  by  four  in  breadth. 


38o  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

There  the  cacao  in  plantations  bloomed, 
And  flowers,  gay,  the  bahny  air  perfumed, 
While  luscious  fruits  were  pendent  on  the  trees, 
And  man  reposed  in  indolence  and  ease. 
There  grew  the  date,  the  cedar,  and  the  pine. 
The  palm,  the  chestnut,  and  the  flow'ring  vine, 
The  sycamore,  the  ceiba,  and  the  oak, 
From  which  the  song  of  birds — how  gladsome ! — 

broke. 
But  there  Pizarro's  presence  proved  a  blight. 
And  Peace  from  all  the  region  took  her  flight, 
For  whispers  of  conspiracy  were  heard. 
And  foully  were  its  people  massacred. 
The  steel-clad  horsemen  charged  with  flying  speed. 
And  like  a  demon  seemed  each  armored  steed. 
While  countless  numbers  yielded  to  the  few, 
Who  with  relentless  fury  hundreds  slew.  "* 
The  strife  was  hardly  o'er  when  lo !  in  view 
There  rose  two  specks  above  the  ocean's  blue. 
Two  vessels  came  with  fresh  recruits  on  board, 
Each  well  equipped  with  armor,  and  a  sword. 
And  at  their  head  De  Soto,  proud  and  brave, 
Who  found,  in  later  days,  a  famous  grave.t 

*  Only  three  or  four  Spaniards  were  killed  in  this  affray, 
but  many  were  wounded,  among  them  Hernando  Pizarro,  who 
led  the  cavalry.  The  origin  of  the  fight  may  be  thus  descril^ed  : 
— The  people  of  Tumbez,  adjacent  to  Puna,  on  the  mainland, 
were  the  detested  rivals  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  island,  and 
ten  or  twelve  of  the  latter  of  the  rank  of  Chieftains  whom 
Pizarro  had  made  prisoners,  on  the  strength  of  reports  that 
they  were  conspiring  against  him,  were  abandoned  to  the 
mercy  of  their  enemies  of  Tumbez,  who  immediately  massacred 
them.  This  aroused  the  people  of  Puna,  who  sprang  upon  the 
Spanish  invaders,  but  were  repulsed  with  great  slaughter. 

t  This  reinforcement  consisted  of  a  hundred  men,  besides 
horses  for  the  cavalry,  commanded  by  Hernando  de  Soto,  the 
future  discoverer  of  "  The  Father  of  Waters." 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  381 

They  seemed  like  priceless   blessings  from  on  high 
To  those  glad  eyes  that  watched  them  sailing  nigh. 


Pizarro  hailed  their  coming,  with  a  smile, 

And  sailed  to  Tumbez  from  the  troubled  isle. 

And  pondered  o'er  his  enterprise  the  while. 

Inhere  he  from  native  tongues  heard  tidings,  new — 

That  civil  war  distracted  all  Peru. 

Two  rival  brothers  struggled  for  the  throne, 

Which  had  of  yore,  devolved  on  one  alone. 

But  when  their  sire,  the  Inca,  passed  away  * 

He  left  them  heirs  to  a  divided  sway. 

To  each  assigning  half  the  realm  he  ruled. 

For  such  a  change  they  were  but  little  schooled. 

And  though  for  years  in  peace  the  brothers  reigned, 

They    warred    at    last,    and   blood    their    country 

stained. 
At-ah-u-all-pa,  and  Hu-as-car  fought, 
And  havoc  on  the  soil  of  Quito  wrought 
Till  in  the  end  Huascar,  overthrown 
Was  captive  led,  the  crown  no  more  his  own.  f 
Atahuallpa  %  then  usurped  command, 
And  claimed  the  sovereignty  of  all  the  land — 
The  sceptre  of  the  Children  of  the  Sun, 
Which  he  had  thus  ingloriously  won. 

*The  Inca  Huayna  Capac  died,  it  is  supposed,  toward  the 
end  of  the  year  1525,  nearly  seven  years  before  Pizarro 
reached  the  island  of  Punca.  Contrary  to  previous  custom, 
he  assigned  while  on  his  death-bed  the  ancient  kingdom  of 
Quito  to  his  son  Atahuallpa,  and  the  rest  of  the  empire  to  his 
son  Huascar,  the  latter  being  the  heir  ajjparent  to  the  throne, 
while  the  former  was  his  favorite. 

t  This  occurred  early  in  1532,  a  few  months  before  the 
landing  of  Pizarro. 

X  According  to  Oviedo,  the  correct  name  of  the  Inca  was 
Atabaliva,  but  Garcilasso,  his  kinsman,  wrote  it  Atahuallpa 
as  in  the  text,  and  this  spelling  has  been  adopted  by  Prescott. 


38jB  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

'Twas  at  this  crisis  that  Pizarro  came, 

At  Tumbez  landing  with  aggressive  aim.  * 

And  there  he  heard  the  tidings  of  the  strife, 

And  of  the  evil  passions  that  were  rife. 

He  saw  in  these  distractions  of  Peru 

A  welcome  prospect  open  to  his  view, 

For  in  its  weakness  he  his  strength  perceived, 

And  in  his  brain  his  plans  of  conquest  weaved. 

He  knew  that  Cortez  on  dissensions  throve. 

And  to  repeat  his  grand  achievements  strove. 

xni. 

Pizarro  found  the  city  lying  waste — 
With  all  its  ancient  splendor  nigh  effaced, 
And  all  its  people  from  its  precincts  fled — 
Deserted  like  a  city  of  the  dead. 
He  showed  his  disappointment  in  his  eye, 
And  o'er  the  ruined  region  heaved  a  sigh ; 
Nor  long  he  tarried  on  the  ravaged  scene. 
But  led  the  way,  the  country's  spoils  to  glean, 
And  gather  whatsoe'er  would  serve  to  guide, 
And  future  deeds  of   enterprise  decide. 
He  led  his  troops  across  the  table-land, 
And  sent  De  Soto  with  a  trusty  band 
To  skirt  the  vast  Sierras,  capped  with  snows ; 
That  high  above  them,  in  the  distance  rose,  f 
In  wonder  gazed  the  Children  of  the  Sun 
On  those  who'd  thus  their  country  overrun. 
And  gave  them  welcome  to  their  wild  domain, 

*  Some  of  his  men  on  landing  from  the  bolsas  were  at- 
tacked by  the  natives,  and  three  of  their  number  were  mas- 
sacred, while  the  city  of  Tumbez  itself  was  found  deserted 
and  laid  waste,  the  inhabitants  having  fled  to  the  interior. 

t  Pizarro  began  his  march  mto  the  interior  from  Tumbez 
early  in  May,  1532. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  383 

And  in  submission  bowed  to  haughty  Spain, 
Though  little  knew  they  what  allegiance  meant, 
Or  to  what  thralldom  't  was  they  gave  consent. 
When  in  a  valley — watered  by  a  stream — 
Whose  beauty  made  their  eyes  with  rapture  gleam 
They  camped  amid  a  grove  of  spreading  trees. 
Which  rustled  softly  in  the  gentle  breeze. 
And  thither  those  at  Tumbez  left  repaired,  * 
While  all  for  future  needs  a  town  prepared. 
The  valley — Tangarala — soon  became 
A  city,  and  San  Miguel  by  name — 
The  first  the  Spanish  founded  in  Peru, 
And  which  to  note  beneath  their  sceptre  grew, 
Though  now  it  moulders,  ruined,  and  decayed. 
And  sleeps  in  sunlight  and  the  palm-trees'  shade. 

Here,  now,  Pizarro  to  his  soldiers  turned  : 

"These   golden  spoils,"   said    he,   "ye    well    have 

earned 
But  I  would  have  ye  yield  them  all  to  me 
That  thus  the  world  our  great  success  may  see. 
For  back  our  barks  to  Panama  shall  sail. 
And  of  our  wealth,  and  prowess  tell  the  tale. 
From  future  spoils  ye  all  shall  be  repaid, 
So  to  surrender  these  ne'er  feel  afraid, 
For  fresh  recruits  will  follow  in  our  wake 
When  they  behold  the  gold  our  ships  will  take ! " 
The  troops  responded  to  their  chief's  appeal 
With  willing  hearts,  and  self-denying  zeal, 
And  soon  the  ships  receded  from  their  view, 
To  show  how  rich  in  treasure  was  Peru. 

*The  garrison  left  at  Tumbez  sailed  with  the  ships  for  the 
new  settlement,  and  were  moored  in  the  river  which  watered 
it.  The  site  of  the  city  was,  however,  afterwards  changed — 
owing  to  the  unhealthiness  of  the  s]50t — to  the  banks  of  the 
Piura,  where  it  still  bears  the  name  of  San  Miguel  de  Piura, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 


XIV. 

Pizarro's  troops  ere  long  the  march  resumed  * 

Across  a  land  that  like  a  garden  bloomed 

To  seek  the  Inca's  camp  that  westward  lay 

Among  the  hills,  unnumbered  leagues  away,  f 

The  region  wore  a  smile  upon  its  face, 

And  mild  submission  marked  the  native  race. 

Gigantic  trees  in  stately  forests  grew, 

Which  drank  no  rain,  but  nightly  sipped  the  dew,  % 

While  crystal  rills  from  mountain  channels  flowed, 

And  babbled  to  the  breeze  their  dulcet  ode. 

The  Cordilleras  high  above  were  seen — 

A  mighty  background  to  the  splendid  scene — 

And  birds  of  gaudy  plumage  thickly  flew, 

And  from  the  fragrant  blossoms  nectar  drew. 

Bright  verdure  threw  a  mantle  o'er  the  ground. 

And  added  to  the  charm  of  all  around. 

While  blushing  fruits  the  teeming  earth  bestowed, 

And,  in  the  sun,  their  tints  with  beauty  glowed. 

Wide,  undulating  fields  of  yellow  maize, 

With  lustre  shone  in  its  pellucid  rays. 

And  lamas,  and  vicunas  grazed  in  peace — 

Grace  in  their  form,  and  treasure  in  their  fleece. 

Towns,  hamlets,  and  canals  lay  here  and  there, 

And  life  seemed  blissful  in  that  summer  air. 

Where  Plenty  shed  her  blessings  from  the  soil. 


*  Pizarro  left  San  Miguel  on  the  24th  of  September,  1532, 
five  months  after  landing  at  Tumbez,  on  his  march  to  the 
camp  of  the  Inca. 

t  Ten  or  twelve  days  march. 

X  Rains  may  be  said  to  be  unknown  in  Peru,  although  phe- 
nomenal showers  are  believed  to  have  occurred,  but  the  night 
dews  are  sufficiently  heavy  to  supply  the  needs  of  vegetation. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU,  385 

And  for  her  harvests  claimed  but  little  toil. 

A  paradise  Pizarro's  troops  beheld, 

Whose  callous  breasts  with  thoughts  of  Conquest 

swelled, 
But,  to  achieve  the  object  of  their  aim. 
They  vowed  't  was  all  in  friendship  that  they  came, 
And  so  the  hapless  Children  of  the  Sun, 
To  share  their  bounty  with  their  foes,  were  won. 
Their  spacious  halls  gave  shelter,  and  repose  * 
When  each  day  drew  serenely  to  a  close. 
And  thus  Invasion's  path  was  smoothly  paved, 
While  over  bloodless  scenes  its  banner  waved. 

XV. 

Pizarro  halted  on  his  onward  course 
To  rest  and  to  review  his  scanty  force  :  f 
Then  turning  to  his  troops  he  said — "  Behold  ! 
We  march  to  conquest  in  a  land  of  gold. 
And  wealth,  and  glory  on  each  hero  wait ; 
But  know  ye,  comrades,  that  't  is  not  too  late 
For  those  who  doubt  success — if  such  there  be — 
To  backward  turn.     To  do  so  all  are  free. 
Let  those  alone  who  go  with  all  their  heart 
Take  in  this  enterprise  a  stirring  part. 
The  rest  can  to  the  valley  town  return, 
Nor  shall  they  lose  their  share  of  all  we  earn. 

*  As  in  Mexico  so  in  Peru,  a  fortress  or  caravansary  in- 
tended for  the  use  of  the  Inca  on  his  journeys,  was  met  with 
at  every  town,  and  most  of  the  hamlets,  and  in  these  buildings 
the  Spaniards  camped  nightly. 

t  The  halt  took  place  on  the  fifth  day  of  the  march  from 
San  Miguel  in  a  beautiful  valley.  The  troops  in  all  numbered 
one  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  sixty-seven  of  these  being  cav- 
alry, three  arquebusiers,  and  not  more  than  twenty  cross-bow- 
men. 


386  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  I  will  this  adventure  still  pursue, 
Though  I  have  for  my  comrades  left  but  few, 
Nor  pause  till  I  have  conquered  all  Peru !  " 

Of  all  that  little  band  there  were  but  nine, 
Who  to  desert  their  fellows  made  the  sign. 
And  with  their  loss  Pizarro  stronger  grew. 
For  well  he  knew  them  to  his  cause  untrue. 
The  rest  with  acclamations  rent  the  air, 
And  vowed  his  fortunes  they  would  gladly  share. 

The  march  was  then  resumed,  with  willing  feet — 

And  hearts  courageous,  that  with  ardor  beat — 

And  led  to  Zaran  in  a  mountain  vale — 

A  town  within  a  happy,  fruitful  dale — 

Where  tidings  of  the  Inca's  camp  were  gleaned. 

It  lay  at  Caxamalca,*  mountain-screened, 

And  there  Atahuallpa  held  his  court, 

And  of  Pizarro's  advent  heard  report. 

That  chief  without  delay  De  Soto  sent, 

The  Inca  of  Peru  to  compliment. 

And  tell  him  how,  attracted  by  his  fame, 

To  do  him  honor,  they,  as  strangers,  came, 

And  while  he  journeyed  with  a  chosen  few, 

Impatient  those  he  left  behind  him  grew. 

For  full  a  week  elapsed  ere  he  returned 

To  tell  the  tale  for  which  Pizarro  yearned. 

Then  back  to  Zaran  he,  rejoicing,  rode. 

Where  all  their  gladness,  at  his  coming,  showed. 

An  envoy  from  the  Inca's  camp  he  brought. 

Who  for  his  monarch  Spanish  friendship  sought, 


*  Now  called  Caxamarca.  It  was  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Cordillera  from  that  on  which  Pizarro  lay  encamped  and  De 
Soto  before  reaching  it  had  to  pass  through  two  other  towns, 
namely  Caxas,  and  Guancabamba. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  387 

Inviting  them  to  visit  his  abode, 
While  in  profusion  presents  he  bestowed. 
Pizarro  gave  him  welcome,  as  a  friend. 
And  h-ung  him  o'er  with  ornaments  of  glass, 
And  crowned  him  with  a  cap,  with  bells  of  brass, 
Then  promised  to  the  camp  his  way  to  wend, 
And  from  his  foes  the  Inca  to  defend — 
Two  native  youths  interpreting  the  speech. 
Which  fell,  in  order,  from  the  lips  of  each.  * 

XVI. 

Again  the  Spanish  forces  forward  sped. 

With,  as  before,  Pizarro  at  their  head. 

And  reached  the  mighty  Cordillera's  base. 

Then  climbed,  with  slow  ascent,  its  rugged  face — 

Rock  piled  on  rock,  with  forests  dark  below. 

And  high  above  the  sun-illumined  snow. 

With  garden  glimpses  here  and  there  between 

In  frames  of  deep  and  sombre  evergreen. 

And  peasant  homes  that  perched  on  lonely  heights 

Amid  a  grouping  of  enchanting  sights. 

Across  this  rampart,  rising  to  the  skies. 

The  troops  defiled  with  dauntless  enterprise 

Through  labyrinths  of  passes,  strange  and  new — 

Wild,  beautiful,  magnificent  to  view. 

Pizarro  cheered  his  men  upon  their  way, 

And  paused  at  times  to  raise  his  eyes  and  pray. 

"  Let  all,"  he  cried,  "  go  forward,  brave  at  heart, 

Resolved  to  nobly  act  the  hero's  part. 

And  buoyant  with  the  Christian's  fervent  hope. 

Nor  fearing  that  your  numbers  ne'er  can  cope 

*  Pizarro's  language  to  the  envoy,  and  vice  versa  was  inter- 
preted by  two  Peruvian  youths  who  had  accompanied  Pizarro 
home  on  his  previous  voyage,  and  who  were  taught  Castilian 
during  their  stay  in  Spain. 


388  THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  PER  U. 

With  those  who  gather  on  the  mountain  slope, 
For  God  doth  ever  battle  for  his  own, 
And  oft  to  us  he  hath  his  goodness  shown  ! 
The  swarthy  heathen  he  will  humble  low, 
And  they  the  true  and  holy  faith  shall  know  ! 
We  go  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the  Cross, 
Regarding  all  beside,  as  earthy  dross, 
But  we  shall  be  rewarded,  too,  with  gold. 
And  rank  in  glory  with  the  knights  of  old  ! 
The  Lord  our  banners  will  to  Conquest  guide, 
And  Spain  will  sing  our  praises,  far  and- wide  !  " 
"  Lead  on  !  "  the  soldiers  shouted  in  reply  ; 
"  We'll  follow,  though  it  only  be  to  die, 
For  to  the  cause  of  Jesus,  and  of  Spain, 
We  '11  ever  true  and  dutiful  remain  !  " 
All  felt  themselves  the  heroes  that  they  were  : — 
The  spirit  of  Knight-Errantry  was  there. 

Up  craggy  steeps,  by  precipices  deep — 

Where  the  vicuna  sportively  would  leap, 

With  vast  abysses  yawning  far  below. 

Through  which   was   heard   the    gurgling  torrent's 

flow — 
The  army  of  Pizarro  bravely  toiled. 
Nor  by  the  mighty  Andes  were  they  foiled.  * 
Through  narrow  gorges  by  convulsions  rent. 
Where  gloomy  pines  diffused  their  pitchy  scent ; — 
By  beetling  rocks  that  oft  opposed  their  way, 
And  stood  between  them,  and  the  beams  of  day ; — 
By — now  and  then — a  fortress  frowning  down 
From  some  defiant  cliff's  commanding  crown — 
Which  kindled  apprehensions  of  their  foes, 
Though  all  deserted,  on  the  view  they  rose ; — 

*  Pizarro  led  the  advance  with  forty  horse,  and  sixty^  foot, 
while  his  brother  Hernando  commanded  the  troops  in  the 
rear. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  389 

Through  icy  regions  on  the  mountain  crests, 

Where  loathsome  condors  built  their  airy  nests, 

They  journeyed  on  with  courage  in  their  breasts. 

The  eastern  slope  lay  open  to  their  gaze, 

While  peak  on  peak  flashed  in  Apollo's  rays. 

The  rear,  and  the  advance  together  came, 

And  hearts  grew  light  in  Hope's  refulgent  flame. 

'T  was  then,  with  tidings,  glad,  that  scouts  returned, 

And  envoys  in  the  distance  were  discerned. 

These  by  the  Inca  had  been  sent  to  greet 

Those  who  were  thus  invading  his  retreat. 

And  with  them  they,  as  presents,  lamas  brought, 

And  textures,  rich,  and  beautifully  wrought. 

To  Caxamalca  these  would  show  the  wa}'. 

Where  lo  !  the  army  of  their  empire  lay. 

And  their  proud  Inca — mighty  in  his  sway — 

Held  court  in  all  his  brilliant  array. 

Through  rocky  passes  the  descent  began. 

And  strangely  winding  was  the  course  they  ran, 

While  far  below  the  splendid  valley  lay. 

The  mountains  round  it,  grand,  and  wild,  and  gray, 

Their  sombre  forms  contrasting  with  the  green 

Which  in  that  vale  of  beauty  decked  the  scene. 

The  busy  hand  of  Culture  there  was  seen, 

And  growing  crops  diversified  the  land, 

While  Caxamalca's  city,  white,  and  grand. 

Shone  like  a  virgin  diamond  in  the  sun. 

And  countless  tents  beyond  it  were  revealed. 

Where  camped  the  Inca's  army  in  the  field. 

Before  the  sight  a  few  in  secret  quailed, 

Though  all  in  outward  show  the  prospect  hailed. 

For  well  they  knew  that  they  must  forward  go. 

Nor  show  a  timid  step  before  the  foe. 

Pizarro  ne'er  would  order  a  retreat. 

Save  in  the  dire  event  of  wild  defeat, 


390  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  all  were  eager  to  amass  the  spoil 
Which  promised  to  reward  them  for  their  toil. 
So  on  they  marched  with  ardor  in  their  eyes, 
Resolved  to  strike  for,  and  to  win,  the  prize, 
And  down  the  slope  they  passed — a  gleaming  line — 
While  Hope  their  courage  fortified,  like  wine. 

XVII. 

The  Inca  gazed  upon  the  cavalcade 

As  this  advanced,  in  pageantry  arrayed, 

With  streaming  banners,  and  with  glist'ning  steel — 

The  vanguard  of  the  legions  of  Castile — 

And  down  the  vast  Sierra's  sweeping  side 

Came  on  as  though  it  all  Peru  defied — 

With  feelings  both  of  wonder,  and  alarm. 

Yet  why  should  strangers  mean  to  work  him  harm  ? 

Or  why  should  he  be  fearful  of  so  few. 

When  they  for  him  had  vowed  their  friendship,  too  ? 

He  marvelled  whenqe  these  wand'rers    came,  and 

why. 
While  thirst  for  knowledge  kindled  in  his  eye. 
What  world  was   that  from  which  their  ships  were 

blown  .-* 
To  him  't  was  all  as  wondrous  as  unknown. 
Not  now  would  he  their  near  approach  oppose, 
But  hail  them  friends  until  he  found  them  foes. 

XVIII. 

The  Spaniards  into  three  divisions  formed. 

As  though  they  would  have  Caxamalca  stormed, 

And  thus,  in  battle-order,  onward  sped 

Till  Caxamalca  echoed  to  their  tread. 

Its  streets  deserted  by  its  people  lay, 

And  from  their  dwellings  all  had  gone  away. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  391 

The  last  were  built  of  stone,  and  sun-burnt  clay, 
Some  roofed  with  wood,  and  others   thatched  with 

cane, 
And  all  the  seats  of  luxury,  and  ease. 
Not  more  designed  to  shelter  than  to  please. 
A  mammoth  square,  by  spacious  buildings  girt, 
Lay  on  the  charming  city's  southern  skirt, 
And  on  its  outer  side  a  fortress  frowned. 
A  hill  beyond  was  with  another  crowned. 
But  from  their  massive  walls,  of  solid  stone. 
No  sound  escaped,  nor  was  a  missile  thrown. 
Within  a  shady  grove  a  temple,  high. 
Looked  up,  with  spiral  walls,  to  court  the  sky — 
The  shrine  devoted  to  the  shining  Sun, 
To  whom  the  honors  of  a  God  were  done, 
And  Virgins  of  the  Sun — devout,  and  young— 
His  praises  had,  for  ages,  sweetly  sung. 
For  Phoebus  was  Almighty  to  their  eyes. 
And  ruled  the  earth,  and  kingdoms  in  the  skies. 


PART  II. 

The  Overthrow  of   the  Empire  of   Peru  and 
THE  Execution  of  the  Inca  in  1533. 

Already  day  was  drawing  to  a  close. 

And  wearied  troops  looked  forward  to  repose,  * 

But  in  delay  Pizarro  danger  saw. 

He  wished  to  fill  the  Inca's  mind  with  awe. 

So  he  dispatched  De  Soto  to  his  camp, 

And  thither  went  his  troops  with  bounding  tramp. 

His  brother,  too — Hernando — in  the  rear — 


*It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  on  the   15th  of  November, 
1532,  when  the  Spaniards  made  their  entry  into  Caxamalca. 


392  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

All  mailed,    and  armed  with  burnished  sword  and 

spear.* 
They  swept  along  with  blast  of  trumpet,  shrill, 
Which,  with  its  echoes,  seemed  the  vale  to  fill, 
And  ere  their  mettled  steeds  a  league  had  sped 
They  found  the  Inca's  camp  before  them  spread, 
And  up  the  slope  extending  far  away. 
The  troops,  astonished,  gazed  on  their  array. 
But,  if  they  felt,  they  showed  not  their  dismay. 
Some,  under  arms,  were  formed  in  battlb  line. 
Though  they  were  calm,  and  peaceful  in  design. 
While  at  their  ease,  stood,  idly,  all  the  rest. 
Yet  moved  by  wonder  that  their  looks  expressed. 
The  Inca's  quarters  near  De  Soto  lay. 
To  which  a  vassal  quickly  led  the  way — 
A  terraced  house,  surrounded  by  a  court — 
Which  seemed  to  serve  for  pleasure,  or  a  fort — 
And  in  the  court — the  centre  of  a  throng — 
All  faithful  nobles  who  had  served  him  long — 
The  monarch  of  the  Children  of  the  Sun, 
Whose  race  was  now — alas  ! — so  nearly  run. 
There  sat  he  with  a  cushion  for  his  throne. 
The  crimson  borla  o'er  his  forehead  thrown. 
And  fringe-like  hanging  nearly  to  the  eyes. 
Whose  diamond  flashes  uttered  his  surprise. 
But,  saving  these,  his  face  was  in  repose, 
And  apathy  seemed  only  to  disclose. 

II. 

De  Soto  and  Hernando  t  slowly  rode — 
With  three  behind — in  front  of  the  abode, 

*  Hernando  De  Soto  took  with  him  fifteen  horse,  and  Her- 
nando Pizarro — the  brother  of  the  conqueror,  twenty  more, 
t  Hernando  Pizarro. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  393 

And  there,  still  mounted,  to  the  monarch  bowed. 

Hernando  spoke  in  accents  clear  and  loud  : — 

"  I  come  as  an  ambassador,  O  King, 

And  hither  tidings  from  my  brother,  bring, 

Who,  hearing,  far  away,  of  your  renown. 

Resolved  to  render  honor  to  your  crown. 

Already  he  has  camped  within  the  town, 

And  prays  you'll  on  the  morrow  meet  him  there 

When  he  his  friendly  mission  will  declare. 

He  brings  a  sword,  that  at  your  service  lies. 

And  bears  the  Cross,  his  faith  to  symbolize. 

To  that  all  Christians  humbly  bow  the  knee. 

And  we  will  preach  the  Gospel  unto  thee. 

And  out  of  darkness  bring  refulgent  light, 

And  turn  to  Christian  day  barbaric  night. 

We  come,  O  Prince  !  to  glorify  thy  reign, 

And  our  success  will  be  Jehovah's  gain  !  "  * 

To  this  the  Inca  uttered  no  reply, 

Nor  from  the  ground  uplifted  he  his  eye, 

On  which  Hernando  silence  broke  again. 

The  monarch  made  him  answer  briefly  then 

That  all  he  heard  was  far  beyond  his  ken, 

But  that  upon  the  morrow  he  would  seek 

Those  who  had  come  so  far  with  him  to  speak. 

With  the  approaching  dawn  his  fast  would  end. 

And  he  would  greet  Pizarro  as  a  friend. 

That  night  his  men  could  camp  around  the  square. 

And,  with  his  chieftains,  he  would  meet  him  there. 

The  Inca  eyed  De  Soto's  fiery  steed — 

Alike  renowned  for  beauty  and  for  speed. 

Which    champed  the    curbing  bit,   and   pawed   the 

ground 
As  if  impatient  far  away  to  bound — 

*  The  Peruvian  Felipillo  was  the  Spanish  interpreter  upon 
this  occasion. 


394  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  he  concealed  his  wonder,  nor  betrayed 

How  much  he  of  the  future  felt  afraid. 

De  Soto  gave  his  willing  charger  rein, 

When  fast  and  far  he  dashed  across  the  plain, 

Then   wheeling  round   and  round,  with  grace   and 

skill. 
He  showed  the  horse  responsive  to  his  will, 
And  when  he  backward  rode  at  flying  pace. 
As  if  for  life  he  ran  a  reckless  race. 
He  checked  the  noble  brute  in  full  career, 
And  flecked  with  foam  the  Inca  sealed  near. 
Who  moved  no  muscle  in  surprise  or  fear. 
But  marble-like  composure  still  preserved. 
Refreshments  to  the  strangers  then  were  served 
By  dark-eyed  beauties  with  surpassing  grace, 
Each  with  a  glow  of  pleasure  on  her  face. 
From  golden  bowls  the  sparkling  chicha  flowed. 
For  which  the  Spanish  knights  a  fondness  showed. 
The  native  wine — the  product  of  the  maize — 
Fermented  in  the  sun's  absorbing  rays. 
For  peer  and  peasant  had  an  equal  charm. 
And  in  the  cup  there  lurked  but  little  harm. 

III. 

The  Inca  bade  the  cavaliers  adieu. 

And  soon  the  horsemen  vanished  from  the  view, 

And  reached  Pizarro's  side  the  tale  to  tell, 

How  at  the  camp  they  were  received  so  well. 

But  with  forebodings  gloomily  oppressed. 

Could  they  from  such  a  king  his  sceptre  wrest. 

And  crush  the  army  that  obeyed  his  nod  ? 

If  so  their  strength  could  only  come  from  God. 

Night  threw  her  heavy  mantle  o'er  the  scene, 
And  far  along  the  mountain  sides  were  seen 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  395 

The  watch-fires  of  the  army  of  Peru. 
All  save  Pizarro  shuddered  at  the  view, 
For  well  their  danger  the  invaders  knew, 
But  he  was  calm,  and  resolute,  and  brave. 
And  for  his  soul  no  terrors  had  the  grave. 
His  eye  was  quick  despondent  hearts  to  spy  ; 
His  ear  was  quick  to  catch  the  sullen  sigh, 
And  with  regret  he  saw  the  courage  wane 
Of  those  who  had  the  victory  to  gain — 
A  fatal  sign  if  once  allowed  to  spread. 
For  fear  by  such  despondency  was  fed. 
To  cheer  their  drooping  spirits  was  his  aim, 
And  he  began  to  paint  their  future  fame 
If  they  were  to  the  Crown  and  Cross  but  true. 
Then  courage  kindled  in  their  breasts  anew. 
Religious  zeal  would  fire  their  hearts,  he  knew — 
And  all  exclaimed — "  We  will  our  duty  do  !  " 
"  Remember,"  said  Pizarro,  "  we  are  strong. 
And  armed  with  Right  against  barbaric  Wrong, 
And  numbers  are  as  nothing  to  our  foes 
When  in  Jehovah  we  our  trust  repose  ! 
In  God  we  have  a  buckler,  and  a  shield 
Far  stronger  than  our  arms  upon  the  field, 
While  wealth  and  glory  wait  us  here  below. 
The  infidel — remember  ! — is  our  foe." 


Then  he  a  council  called,  and  plans  disclosed 
That  startled  all  to  w^hom  he  these  proposed. 
To  seize  the  Inca  in  an  ambuscade. 
And  rout  his  army  with  a  cavalcade, 
Was,  in  a  word,  Pizarro's  bold  design. 
"Consider  well,"  said  he,  "this  plan  of  mine. 
It  seems  a  project  wild  and  rash  indeed, 
But  Providence  I  feel  has  such  decreed, 
And  if  't  is  done,  it  should  be  done  with  speed. 


396  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

What  from  inaction  have  we  here  to  gain? 
Our  duty  is  to  end  the  Inca's  reign, 
Or  we,  perchance,  may  at  his  call  be  slain, 
For  now  for  us — behold  ! — there's  no  retreat, 
And  we  must  brave  the  danger  of  defeat. 
The  Inca  may  appear  to-day  a  friend, 
And  yet  to-morrow  may  his  friendship  end. 
To-night  our  troops  the  city  will  defend, 
And  with  the  morn  we'll  each  and  all  prepare 
The  monarch  at  his  coming  to  ensnare. 
To  lead  him  captive  we  must  boldly  try. 
But  failing  this — remember  ! — he  must  die, 
For  woe  to  us  if  he  should  from  us  fly 
When  once  the  thrilling  struggle  has  begun. 
Our  race,  not  his,  would  then,  alas  !  be  run. 
But  with  his  capture  we  should  win  a  prize 
That  with  success  would  crown  our  enterprise. 
As  Cortez  Montezuma  led  away, 
So  we  can  seize  the  Inca  as  our  prey. 
And  bend  him,  and  his  country,  to  our  sway, 
Then  reap  the  riches  that  around  us  lie. 
The  time  for  action,  comrades,  now  is  nigh ! " 

IV. 

The  sun  upon  the  morrow  brightly  rose, 
And  grandly  gilded  the  Sierra's  snows. 
Revealing  to  the  eye  a  thousand  charms. 
While  in  the  camp  the  trumpet  called  to  arms.* 
His  troops  Pizarro  briefly,  then  reviewed, 
And  told  them  of  the  course  to  be  pursued. 
And  stationed  them  in  buildings  round  the  square. 
And  bade  them  for  the  signal-gun  prepare. 
Then,  with  their  war-cries  ringing  in  the  air, 

*  This  was  on  Saturday,  the  sixteenth  of  November,  1532. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  397 

And  hearts  undaunted,  boldly  forward  rush, 

The  Inca  capture,  and  his  army  crush  ! 

He  saw  their  arms  were  ready  for  the  fray. 

And  that  each  steed  with  tinkling  bells  was  gay 

To  add,  by  clangor,  to  the  foe's  dismay. 

This  done,  he,  with  his  soldiers,  bent  the  knee, 

In  solemn  Mass,  before  the  Deit}^ 

And  prayed  the  God  of  battles  those  to  shield 

Who  for  the  Cross  were  soon  to  take  the  field ; 

And  with  religious  ardor  all  were  filled. 

While  thus  was  courage  in  their  breasts  instilled. 


'T  was  nigh  to  noon  before  there  came  in  view 

The  escort  of  the  monarch  of  Peru — 

A  long  procession  stretching  far  away. 

Advancing  in  magnificent  array — 

A  warlike  host  that  battles  oft  had  won, 

With  arms,  and  banners  gleaming  in  the  sun. 

Then  to  Pizarro's  camp  an  envoy  came 

In  his — Atahuallpa's — royal  name 

To  say  that  he  was  then  upon  the  way — 

With  all  the  troops,  in  arms,  beneath  his  sway— 

His  promised  visit,  bent  on  peace,  to  pay. 

To  which  Pizarro  promptly  made  reply 

That  howsoe'er  he  came  he  wished  him  nigh, 

And  as  a  friend  and  brother,  he  would  greet 

The  sov'reign  he  had  come  so  far  to  meet. 

High  o'er  the  vast  procession  he  was  seen 

On  stalwart  shoulders,  in  a  palanquin, 

With  nobles  marching  thickly  at  his  side 

In  raiment  that  with  gorgeous  tints  was  dyed, 

And  decked  with  gems,  and  ornaments  of  gold- 

A  scene  both  grand,  and  thrilling  to  behold. 

Far  as  the  eve  could  reach  their  banners  flew, 


398  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Led  by  the  royal  standard  of  Peru, 
And  fifty  thousand  men  advanced  in  line, 
With  martial  bearing,  and  equipments  fine. 
How  rash  appeared  Pizarro's  bold  design  ! 

VI. 

When  half  a  mile  from  Caxamalca's  gate 
The  army  halted,  and  with  signs  of  state 
The  Inca  touched  again  the  solid  ground, 
And  troops  began  to  pitch  their  tents  around. 
Pizarro's  breast  with  strange  emotions  swelled 
As  he  this  unexpected  halt  beheld, 
While  from  the  monarch  came  a  page  to  say 
That  he  no  more  would  march  that  sultry  day, 
But  with  the  morn  his  journey  would  renew, 
And  then  Pizarro  welcome  to  Peru. 
Pizarro  felt  herein  that  danger  lay, 
And  urged  him  to  continue  on  his  way, 
For  he  had  preparations,  costly,  made, 
And  for  his  speedy  coming  therefore  prayed. 
He  knew  suspense  was  wearing  to  the  heart 
When  each  was  burning  to  perform  his  part. 
And  that  suspense,  prolonged,  would  eat  away 
The  courage  of  his  soldiers  for  the  .fray. 
His  fate,  and  fortunes,  hung  upon  the  day ! 

VII. 

Pizarro's  message  changed  the  Inca's  plan, 

For  he  the  forward  march  again  began, 

But,  now,  with  but  a  chosen  retinue. 

He  left  behind  the  army  of  Peru, 

As  he  in  Caxamalca  meant  to  stay 

Till  dawned  upon  the  world  another  day, 

And  then  rejoin  his  army  where  it  lay. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  399 

These  tidings  thrilled  Pizarro  with  delight, 

For  he  was  eager  for  the  coming  fight, 

And  longed  to  make  his  capture  ere  the  night. 

The  Inca  seemed  to  rush  into  his  snare. 

In  which  he  saw  a  providential  care, 

For  he  was  both  fanatical,  and  blind, 

Believing  God  this  change  of  plan  designed. 

The  Infidel,  accurst,  to  overthrow, 

And  raise  the  Cross  where  he  was  trampled  low. 

VIII. 

Distrust  was  distant  from  the  monarch's  mind, 

And  naught  of  coming  evil  he  divined. 

No  danger  in  the  strangers  he  could  see. 

Could  they,  so  few,  aught  to  be  dreaded  be  ? 

How  helpless  seemed  these  waifs  from  o'er  the  sea  ! 

He  felt  himself  so  absolute,  and  great — 

Surrounded  by  such  signs  of  highest  state — 

That  he  was  to  suspicion  little  prone. 

He  looked  upon  Peru  as  all  his  own. 

And  sacred  to  his  people  was  his  throne. 

He  never  dreamed  his  guests  would  strike  a  blow, 

Or  in  Pizarro  he.  would  find  a  foe. 

He  felt  so  strong,  self-confident,  secure. 

That,  like  a  child,  he  yielded  to  the  lure. 

Alas  !  that  he  his  foes  so  little  knew. 

The  Spanish  hawk  beguiled  the  dove  Peru. 

IX. 

'T  was  sunset  ere  the  grand  procession's  van 
To  pass  through  Caxamalca's  gates  began. 
First  came  a  train  of  vassals,  singing  songs. 
And  beating  shells  as  resonant  as  gongs  ; 
Then  others,  who  were  higher  in  degree, 


400  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  others  still,  who  nobles  seemed  to  be, 
For  they  in  azure  garments  were  arrayed, 
And  wore  as  emblems  of  their  lofty  grade 
Bright  rings  of  gold,  depending  from  their  ears. 
And  carried  in  their  hands  emblazoned  spears. 
Still  more  in  white,  and  white  and  red,  were  clad, 
Whose  chant  was  low  but  musical  and  glad. 
These  bore  their  silver  maces  in  their  hands. 
And  round  their  wrists  a  few  had  copper  bands. 
High  over  all,  and  in  his  palanquin, 
The  Inca,  on  a  golden  throne,  was  seen. 
The  royal  car  with  lustrous  plumes  was  lined. 
And  plates  of  burnished  gold,  with  skill  designed ; 
And  all  the  glowing  rainbow's  splendid  dyes 
Within  its  narrow  compass  met  the  eyes. 
There  sat  the  monarch  calm,  and  dignified, 
And  with  a  look  of  majesty,  and  pride. 
The  royal  borla — emblem  of  the  crown — 
Above  his  brows,  in  tassels,  hanging  down, 
While,  o'er  this  chaplet,  in  his  raven  hair. 
Were  golden  trinkets  of  devices  rare. 

At  length  the  grand  procession  reached  the  square. 

And  marching  to  its  centre,  halted  there. 

Six  thousand  of  the  Inca's  retinue 

Had  gathered  round  him  in  Pizarro's  view. 

But  nowhere  was  the  Spanish  chieftain  seen. 

While  all  his  troops  were  hidden  from  the  scene. 

"  What   meaneth   this  ? — the   strangers,  where    are 

they .? " 
Atahuallpa  then  was  heard  to  say. 
And  as  he  spoke  a  priest  approached  his  side — 
Pizarro's  friend,  and  spiritual  guide — 
Valverde,  with  a  Bible  in  his  hand."*^ 

*  Fray  Vicente  de  Valverde,  a  Dominican  friar,  Pizarro's 
chaplain,  and  subsequently  Bishop  of  Cuzco. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  401 

"  I  come,"  said  he,  "  according  to  command. 

To  dissi{3ate  the  darkness  in  your  soul, 

Aud  lead  you  to  a  bright,  eternal  goal — 

To  teach  the  true — the  Christian — faith  Divine, 

And  cause  you  all  your  idols  to  resign. 

In  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  believe, 

And  as  a  convert  baptism  receive ; 

Declare  submission  to  the  crown  of  Spain, 

And  deem  the  change  your  own,  and  country's  gain  ; 

Give  welcome  to  Pizarro  as  a  friend, 

And  to  his  will  obediently  bend  ; 

Do  this,  and  he  will  you,  and  yours  defend ; 

Refuse,  and  then  your  empire  he  will  rend. 

Behold  in  him  a  soldier  of  the  Cross 

Who  in  your  splendor  sees  barbaric  dross, 

And  who,  by  potentate  and  Pontiff  armed. 

Is  not  to  be  by  infidels  disarmed. 

He  comes  to  conquer  and  convert  Peru, 

And  boldly  he  his  Master's  work  will  do. 

And  reap  a  crown  of  glory  in  the  skies, 

For  great  and  holy  is  our  enterprise. 

Join  with  him  then,  in  heart,  and  soul,  and  hand, 

And  glorify  your  race,  and  native  land. 

So  shall  your  portion  be  eternal  bliss  ! 

Can  you  resist — O  Savage  Ruler  ! — this  ? 

Christ  and  St.  Peter  wait  for  your  reply ! 

Abjure  your  errors, — to  salvation  fly !  " 

The  Inca's  eyes  were  seen  to  flash  with  fire, 
While  dark  became  his  brow  with  sudden  ire 
As  Felipillo,  in  his  native  tongue. 
These  words  repeated  of  impending  wrong. 
"  I  will,"  he  cried,  '*  be  subject  unto  none ! 
One  monarch  here  shall  rule,  and  only  one. 
And  earth  can  boast  no  greater  prince  than  I, 
While,  in  the  sun,  my  God  behold  on  high. 


402  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

There  he  for  evermore,  in  light,  will  live  ! 

Your  brainless  Pope  my  land  to  you  may  give, 

As  I  might  give  the  universe  to  him, 

But  ne'er  would  I  give  wing  to  such  a  whim. 

Demented  men  may  talk  of  things  as  vain, 

But  I  had  looked  for  other  things  from  Spain. 

As  for  my  faith,  't  is  changeless  as  the  sun, 

Which  through  all  seasons  doth  his  journey  run. 

Your  God,  you  say,  was  crucified,  but  mine 

Upon  his  children  doth  for  ever  shine. 

But  why  so  strangely  speak  you  unto  me, 

And  for  what  purpose  came  ye  o'er  the  sea  ?  " 

The  friar  to  his  Bible  pointed  then, 

But  books  were  far  beyond  the  Inca's  ken. 

He  took  it  in  his  hand,  and  turned  it  o'er — 

While  all  his  face  a  look  of  trouble  wore — 

Then  threw  it — with  vehemence — -rudely  down, 

And  followed  this  with  an  indignant  frown, 

Exclaiming,  with  the  action, — "  It  is  base 

To  strive  to  thus  subvert  another  race  ! 

Go  tell  your  comrades  that  I'll  tarry  here 

Till  they  before  me — one  and  all — appear, 

And  give  the  satisfaction  I  demand 

For  all  the  wrongs  they've  heaped  upon  my  land !  '* 

The  friar  raised  the  volume  from  the  ground, 
And  felt  his  angry  passions  all  unbound. 
Then  rushing  to  Pizarro  thus  he  cried — 
"  We  waste  our  breath  on  dog  so  full  of  pride. 
Who  scorns  to  take  the  Gospel  for  his  guide ! 
See  how  with  troops  the  fields  are  filling  fast ! 
The  time  for  action,  swift,  has  come  at  last. 
Set  on  at  once,  you  stand  absolved  by  me  ! 
Before  the  Cross  the  Infidel  must  flee  !  " 
Pizarro  said — "  The  hour  indeed  has  come  !  " 
And  waved  the  signal  scarf,  and  tapped  the  drum. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  40J 

The  fortress  quickly  fired  the  fatal  gun, 
And  there  and  then  the  contest  was  begun. 

Pizarro,  springing  forward  to  the  square, 

Rent  with  his  battle-cry  the  drowsy  air — 

"  Christo  y  Santiago  T^ — thrilling  sound — 

Which  many  voices  echoed  all  around, 

For  ev'ry  Spaniard  answered  it  aloud, 

And  of  that  ancient  war-cry  all  were  proud. 

"  St.  Jago — at  them  !  "  fell  from  ev'ry  man 

As  on  they  charged, — Pizarro  in  the  van, 

And  '"'' Jesu  Christo!    Adelante ! '''  rang 

From  ear  to  ear  amid  the  awful  clang. 

Both  horse  and  foot  into  the  plaza  poured, 

While,  in  their  tones  of  thunder,  cannon  roared. 

And  smoke  in  volumes  rolled  across  the  view, 

The  troops,  like  furies,  on  their  victims  flew. 

Who  panic-stricken  knew  not  what  to  do. 

Surprised,  and  blinded,  stunned,  and  in  dismay. 

They  vainly  strove  to  tear  themselves  away — 

To  fly  for  refuge  from  the  sudden  fray. 

The  native  host — embracing  high,  and  low — 

In  dense  confusion  reeled  beneath  the  blow — 

Surged  wildly  like  a  tempest-driven  sea — 

Plunged  like  a  steed  impatient  to  be  free. 

And  then  were  trampled  down  by  iron  feet — 

By  cavalry  both  terrible,  and  fleet. 

While,  right  and  left,  the  horsemen  fiercely  slew, 

And  fast  the  dreadful  carnage  thicker  grew. 

Unsparing,  cruel,  merciless,  and  bold, 

Their   deeds   were   such    as   made    the    blood    run 

cold. 
Their    swords,    and   lances    flashing    through   the 

gloom 
Told  the  survivors  of  their  coming  doom. 
And  horse  and  rider  filled  them  with  affright. 


404  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Could  they,  unarmed,  such  awful  monsters  fight  ? 
They  shuddered  unresisting — at  the  sight. 

The  way  was  closed  to  all  escape  by  flight. 
With  dead  was  filled  the  entrance  to  the  square : 
And  what  a  scene  of  horror  there  was  there — 
What  agony,  and  bloodshed,  and  despair — 
What  writhings  of  the  wounded  ere  they  died  1 
Description  by  such  anguish  was  defied  ! 

At  length  the  wildly  rushing  multitude, 

By  the  relentless  cavalry  pursued. 

Broke  through    the  wall   of   stone,    and  su-n-dried 

clay 
That  held  them  in,  and  madly  tore  away. 
The  horsemen  in  pursuit,  like  demons,  still — 
Resolved  where'er  they  could  to  maim,  or  kill — 
And  striking  them  in  all  directions,  down. 
Believing  they  would  thus  achieve  renown. 
And  serve  alike  the  cause  of  Cross  and  Crown.    . 

The  while  around  the  Inca  raged  the  fight — 
To  him  an  awful,  and  appalling  sight — 
Whose  capture  was  the  object  of  the  fray. 
His  vassals  round  him — helpless — stood  at  bay, 
And  threw  themselves  in  his  assailants'  way. 
And  with  their  breasts  his  body  strove  to  shield. 
While  'mid  the  slaughter  to  and  fro  they  reeled. 
To  force  the  horsemen  back  they  vainly  tried. 
And  clinging  to  their  horses,  bleeding,  died. 
But  others  took  their  places  as  they  fell — 
What  words  can  of  their  deep  devotion  tell? — 
And  others  strove  their  riders  to  dismount — 
How  sad  it  is  the  story  to  recount ! — 
With  loyalty  as  touching  as  't  was  true. 
What  more  could  mortals  for  their  monarch  do  ? 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  405 

The  Inca  stunned,  bewildered,  and  dismayed, 
Glanced  vainly  round  for  refuge  or  for  aid. 
He  saw  his  faithful  vassals  falling  fast, 
And  looked  the  picture  of  a  king  aghast, 
Scarce  comprehending  all  his  eyes  surveyed. 
His  palanquin  was  by  the  tumult  swayed — 
Rocked  to  and  fro  upon  the  heaving  crowd, 
While,  all  around,  the  battle  raged  aloud. 
He  on  the  overwhelming  ruin  gazed 
A  helpless  being,  by  the  tempest  dazed — 
A  mariner  upon  a  sinking  ship. 
Forlorn,  and  with  a  prayer  upon  his  lip, 
With  thunder,  and  with  lightning  in  the  air. 
And  at  his  heart  pulsations  of  despair. 
He  could  not,  though  he  tried,  avert  his  fate. 
The  hounds  of  hell  upon  him  seemed  to  wait. 

At  length  of  savage  slaughter  weary  grown — 
While  on  their  work  the  sun  no  longer  shone — 
The  soldiers  sought  to  take  the  Inca's  life. 
And  terminate  at  once  the  bloody  strife. 
Afraid  that  he,  as  twilight  died  in  night. 
Might  still  elude  them  by  disguise,  or  flight. 
'T  was  then  Pizarro  like  a  Stentor  cried — 
"  Let  none  his  weapon  toward  the  Inca  guide ! 
Who  strikes  him  down  shall  like  his  victim  die!  " 
And  as  he  spoke  he  saw  an  arrow  fly, 
Aimed  at  the  palanquin  that  now  was  nigh. 
When  stretching  out  his  arm  to  ward  the  blow 
It  struck  him,  and  the  blood  began  to  flow — 
The  first  and  only  blood  a  Spaniard  shed. 
Though  thickly  round  him  lay  the  Indian  dead. 
Still  fiercer  grew  the  struggle  for  the  prize. 
Still  wilder  grew  the  battlers  frantic  cries, 
And  more,  and  more  the  royal  litter  reeled 
Till  those  who  bore  it  fell,  and  o'er  it  heeled. 


4o6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

To  save  it,  then,  from  crashing  to  the  ground 
Pizarro  reached  it  at  a  single  bound, 
And  caught  the  faUing  monarch  in  his  arms, 
While  in  his  face  was  mirrored  war's  alarms. 
A  soldier  snatched  the  borla  from  his  head,  * 
And  captive  to  the  buildings  he  was  led, 
No  more  the  monarch  he  had  been  before, 
His  native  glory  with  his  capture  o'er. 

All  efforts  at  resistance  ended  now. 
And  to  its  fate  the  country  seemed  to  bow. 
The  Inca's  seizure  spread  with  lightning  speed, 
And  grave  disaster  each  in  this  could  read. 
It  fell  upon  them  like  a  broken  charm. 
All  saw  that  it  foreboded  further  harm. 
And  all  took  flight  in  sorrow,  and  alarm. 
The  troops,  in  the  adjacent  fields  encamped. 
Like  startled  deer,  in  self-defence, decamped, 
While  in  pursuit  the  horsemen  madly  rode. 
Nor  in  the  heat  of  triumph  mercy  showed, 
But  down  with  savage  fury  thousands  mowed. 
Night's  mantle  fell,  at  length,  upon  the  scene — 
While  shed  the  placid  moon  her  silver  sheen 
As  if  to  calm  the  storm  that  raged  below — 
When  in  dark  Caxamalca's  bloody  square 
The  soldiers  rallied  at  the  trumpet's  blare. 

X. 

A  frugal  banquet  in  the  hall  was  spread 
And  there  the  Inca  broke  Pizarro's  bread. 
The  Captor,  and  the  Captive,  side  by  side, 
Each  other  oft  with  looks  of  wonder  eyed. 
And  when,  through  Felipillo,  who  was  nigh, 

*  The  soldier's  name  was  Estate. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  407 

Pizarro  spoke,  the  Inca  made  reply, 

And  either  felt  unconscious  of  his  fate, 

Or  showed  a  fortitude  sublimely  great. 

"  'Tis  but  a  freak  of  war,"  he  calmly  said, 

"  But  I  deplore,  as  well  I  may,  the  dead. 

Of  all  your  deeds  since  landing  I  have  known. 

But  I  ne'er  dreamed  of  danger  to  my  throne, 

For  all  Peru — remember  ! — is  my  own  ! 

Your  numbers  seemed  for  mischief  strangely  few, 

For  what,  I  asked,  could  such  invaders  do  ? 

Across  the  mountains,  hence,  I  let  you  come. 

And,  though  I  could  have  spoken,  I  was  dumb. 

I  ne'er  believed  that  Caxamalca's  plain 

So  soon  would  reek  with  my  defenders,  slain, 

Or  that  the  few  the  many  would  assail, 

And  o'er  them  with  such  suddenness  prevail. 

But  it  is  done,  and  1  am  here  with  you  ! 

Be  merciful,  I  pray  you,  to  Peru  !  ^' 

XI. 

The  Inca's  age  was  thirty  years,  or  less, 

And  there  was  grace,  and  fitness  in  his  dress. 

Robust  of  frame,  and  comely  in  his  build. 

And  in  the  duties  of  his  station  skilled, 

With  lustrous  eyes,  and  somewhat  massive  head, 

He  looked  like  one  to  wield  a  sceptre  bred. 

In  manner  grave,  yet  affable  withal — 

With  mirth,  or  sternness,  ready  at  his  call — 

And  in  his  speech  deliberate,  and  slow — 

His  language  gliding  with  an  easv  flow — 

He  claimed  attention  even  from  fiis  foe. 

Pizarro  sought  to  mitigate  his  gloom. 

For  he  was  sad  though  he  could  joy  assume, 

And  equanimity  was  prone  to  feign. 

"  Regrets,"  said  he,  "  my  noble  friend  are  vain  ! 


4o8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Though  you  no  more  may  o'er  your  country  reign, 

Save  as  a  vassal  in  the  name  of  Spain, 

Your  fate  is  but  the  lot  of  all  her  foes. 

For  o'er  her  its  protection  Heaven  throws. 

We  came  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  the  Cross. 

You  treated  both  as  if  they  were  but  dross. 

And  on  Valverde  cast  an  evil  eye  ; 

And  so  your  pride  was  humbled  from  on  high. 

But  courage,  you  may  still  confide  in  me, 

And  wear  the  crown  of  immortality. 

Renounce  your  idols,  and  the  faith  embrace, 

And  Christ  will  lead  you  to  the  throne  of  Grace  ! " 

xri. 

That  night  Pizarro  all  his  troops  addressed. 

"  The  Lord  of    Hosts,"  said  he,  "  our   arms    has 

blessed ; 
A  miracle  has  saved  us  from  defeat ! 
Let  all  give  thanks  at  the  Redeemer's  feet ! 
No  drop  of  blood  the  Infidel  has  shed, 
But  we  can  count  around  us  thousands  dead  ! 
Our  lives  for  things  still  greater  have  been  spared. 
But  we  must  stand  by  night  and  day,  prepared, 
For  we  are  here  encompassed  by  our  foes. 
Then  let  us  watch  ! — watch  even  in  repose. 
For  vigilance  security  will  guard, 
While  fortune  oft  by  negligence  is  marred." 

XHL 

The  morrow  dawned  upon  the  scene  of  blood, 
And  bathed  it  in  the  sun's  refulgent  flood. 
A  host  of  captives  gathered  in  the  square, 
Where  Carnage  breathed  its  odors  on  the  air. 
"  Let  these,"  Pizarro  cried,  **  inter  the  dead 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  409 

Ere  pestilence  within  the  walls  is  bred." 

Then  horsemen  to  the  Inca's  quarters  sped 

To  seize  the  spoil,  and  scatter  those  around, 

Ere  noon  returning  with  the  booty  found — 

Gold,  silver,  jewels,  and  devices  rare, 

Which  made  each  soldier  long  to  clutch  his  share — 

And  troops  of  captives  to  their  fate  resigned, 

But  eager  their  imprisoned  chief  to  find. 

The  Inca's  wives  and  nobles  in  the  train, 

And  all  alike  in  mourning  for  the  slain — 

A  sad,  and  touching  spectacle  of  woe. 

But,  still  unheeded  by  their  cruel  foe. 

So  great  they  were  in  numbers,  some  exclaimed — 

*'  Let  these  be  slain,  or  at  the  least  be  maimed. 

They  ne'er  with  amputated  hands  can  harm. 

Or  prove  a  source  of  danger,  or  alarm. 

While  terror  through  the  land  will  thus  be  spread, 

And  all  Peru  will  hold  us  more  in  dread  !  " 

But  this  Pizarro  scouted  as  a  wrong 

Which  might  resistance  foster,  or  prolong. 

And  bade  the  captives  homeward  wend  their  way, 

Save  those  he  ordered  in  the  camp  to  stay. 

To  labor  for  the  conquerors,  and  wait. 

Each  soldier  lived,  with  servitors,  in  state, 

While  flocks  of  llamas  furnished  dainty  fare, 

And  stores  of  fabrics  garments,  rich,  to  wear — 

Choice  textures  made  of  cotton,  and  of  wool, 

Of  which  the  Inca's  magazines  were  full. 

Pizarro  on  to  Cuzco  would  have  pressed, 

Nor  longer  in  the  valley  paused  for  rest. 

But  distant,  far — six  hundred  miles — it  lay. 

And  rugged,  strange,  and  toilsome  was  the  way. 

His  forces,  too,  were  scanty  for  the  feat, 

And  he  for  this  was  loth  to  risk  defeat. 

Though  gladly  he'd  the  capital  have  sought, 

And,  as  he  journeyed,  deeds  of  valor  wrought : 


4IO  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  Prudence  warned  him  in  his  camp  to  stay, 

Nor  venture  from  the  Inca  far  to  stray. 

He  to  St.  Michael  couriers  bade  repair, 

And  spread  the  tidings  of  his  conquest  there, 

And  hurry  reinforcements  to  the  scene, 

Where  all  who  came  could  gold,  and  glory,  glean. 

Then  built  he  Caxamalca's  walls  anew, 

And  banished  signs  of  ruin  from  the  view, 

And  there  a  Christian  temple  quickly  grew, 

Though  of  the  heart's  religion  naught  he  knew. 

He  in  religious  forms  would  bend  the  knee. 

But  watered  ne'er,  of  piety,  the  tree. 

While  Church,  and  State,  as  one  defended  he, 

The  zeal  of  Cortez  ne'er  Pizarro  felt. 

And  as  a  soldier,  not  a  saint,  he  knelt. 

XIV. 

Atahuallpa  from  his  captive's  cell 

Heard  morn  and  eve  the  temple's  speaking  bell — 

Rung  by  the  hand,  and  o'er  the  mountains  brought. 

That  sound  he  deemed  to  him  with  evil  fraught. 

For  in  Religion's  name  the  Spaniards  fought. 

'Twas  meant  to  cover  all  the  crimes  they  wrought. 

And  who  could  tell  how  soon  his  life  they'd  claim, 

And  with  that  bell  salvation,  then,  proclaim. 

He    pondered  much,  and    cried,  at    length — "Tis 

gold 
That  makes  these  white  invaders  here  so  bold. 
Religion,  and  ambition — each  of  these — 
Perchance  impelled  them  hither  o'er  the  seas. 
But  love  of  gain  has  swayed  them  more  than  all, 
And  I,  by  gold,  may  liberty  recall. 
At  least  I'll  try  how  potent  is  its  charm 
To  shield  my  trembling  throne  from  further  harm. 
And  save  from  deeper  woe  my  hapless  land, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  411 

And  stay  the  fierce  invader's  gory  hand  : 

Nor  will  I  long  to  test  my  fate  delay. 

Huascar  whom  I've  conquered  in  the  fray, 

And  who  at  Andamarca  captive  lies, 

May  bribe  his  guards,  and  bid  the  country  rise, 

And,  while  I'm  helpless  here,  may  wear  my  crown, 

And  rob  me  of  my  merited  renown." 

So  to  Pizarro's  av'rice  he  appealed, 

And,  by  his  words,  his  wealth  in  gold  revealed. 

"  If  you,"  said  he,  "  will  only  set  me  free 

This  floor  ere  long  by  gold  concealed  you'll  see." 

Pizarro  deigned  no  answer  but  a  smile, 

And  felt  of  this  incredulous  the  while. 

The  Inca  read  his  feelings  in  his  look. 

And  ill  his  incredulity  could  brook. 

*'  Nor  this  alone,"  said  he,  "  I'll  do  but  more. 

Your  room  I'll  fill  twice  o'er  with  silver  ore. 

And  this,  thus  high,  I'll  pile  with  shining  gold — 

Cups,  plates,  and  vessels  of  artistic  mould."  * 

And — standing — as  he  spoke,  his  hand  he  raised. 

Each  Spaniard  on  his  comrades  gazed  amazed. 

Yet  deemed  his  splendid  promise  but  a  boast. 

Though  of  his  wealth  they'd  heard  along  the  coast. 

Pizarro  shared  his  cavaliers'  surprise, 

And  lust  of  treasure  kindled  in  his  eyes. — 

"  What  if  the  Inca  thus,"  he  spoke,  "  can  do. 

And  all  he   says   should   prove — how   welcome  ! — 

true  ? 
No  harm  can  come  if  I  acceptance  yield. 
So  let  the  contract  by  our  lips  he  sealed." 
A  line,  in  red,  along  the  wall  he  drew. 
Full  in  the  pensive,  gazing  Inca's  view, 

*The  apartment  to  be  filled  with  gold,  was,  according  to  the 
Secretary  Xerez,  (Cong-del  Peru)  about  seventeen  feet  broad  by 
twenty-two  feet  long,  and  the  line  drawn  by  the  Inca  on  the 
wall  was  nine  feet  from  the  floor. 


4 1 2  THE  CONQ  UES  T  OF  PER  U. 

And  said — "  So  high  the  metal  piled  must  be 
Ere  sixty  days  have  sought  eternity, 
And  I  declare  the  captive  Monarch  free." 

XV. 

To  Cuzco  royal  messengers  repaired, 

Nor  temples  there,  nor  palaces  they  spared, 

But  stripped  tiiem  of  their  treasures  one  by  one, 

And  these  to  Caxamalca  hurried  on, 

While  others  on  to  other  cities  sped, 

And  called  for  gold,  like  hungry  men  for  bread. 

A  guarded  life  the  while  the  Inca  led, 

His  wives,  and  nobles,  round  him  at  his  will, 

And  all  responsive  to  his  wishes  still. 

Yet  all  beyond  his  prison  walls  denied. 

Thus,  though  unshackled,  he  for  freedom  sighed, 

While  spouse,  and  vassal,  mourned  his  hapless  fate, 

And  strove  his  crushing  sorrow  to  abate, 

And  in  submission,  slavish,  bent  around. 

And  touched,  in  reverential  awe,  the  ground. 

This  deep  devotion  to  a  fallen  chief. 

And  eagerness  to  mitigate  his  grief. 

And  yield  obedience  to  his  ev'ry  word, 

The  Spaniards  to  distrust,  and  wonder,  stirred. 

They  from  his  ancient  faith  to  turn  him  tried, 

And  said — "  Embrace  the  Gospel  as  your  guide. 

Your  God  has  left  you  all  forsaken  here  : 

Renounce  him,  and  your  course  to  Glory's  clear." 

But  to  the  ardent  Sun  he  still  was  true. 

The  old  he  loved,  and  trusted  not  the  new. 

XVI. 

When  of  his  rival's  fate  Huascar  knew 
He  more  than  e'er  for  freedom  eager  grew, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  413 

And  offered  greater  ransom  e'er  than  he,  * 

Aspiring  on  the  Inca's  throne  to  be. 

Atahuallpa  heard  of  this  with  pain, 

And  feared  his  brother  o'er  him  yet  might  reign, 

And  deeper  still  his  jealousy  became 

When  from  Pizarro's  lips  he  heard  his  name. 

The  Spaniard  said — "  Huascar  here  I'll  bring, 

And  learn,  by  trial,  who's  the  rightful  King, 

And,  with  my  sword,  to  either  turn  the  scale. 

Nor  through  it  in  my  scheme  of  conquest  fail. 

Against  the  other  I  the  one  will  play, 

And  tiius  the  surer  make  my  righteous  sway." 

Kings  so  had  done — and  oft  in  days  before, 

Though  naught  he  knew  of  such  historic  lore. 

Atahuallpa  said — "  Huascar  slay !  " 

The  order  sped  to  where  the  captive  lay. 

Who,  ere  the  Spaniards  reached  him,  passed  away. 

Submerged  in  Andamarca^s  flowing  tide 

The  rightful  heir — his  brother's  victim — died. 

Yet  when  the  tidings  reached  the  Inca's  ears 

He  feigned  surprise,  and  sorrow  e'en  to  tears, 

And  told  Pizarro  the  unwelcome  tale. 

With  seeming  indignation  turning  pale. 

Of  deep  remorse  he  felt,  perchance,  the  sting, 

And  grieved  to  think  he'd  done  so  foul  a  thing. 

XVH. 

Great  heaps  of  shining  treasure,  strangely  wrought, 
Were  day  by  day  to  Caxamalca  brought 
By  toilers  more  than  willing  for  the  task — 

*  Huascar  secretly  sent  a  message  to  Pizarro  to  that  effect 
in  the  hope  that  the  latter  might  release  him,  and  declare  him 
to  be  the  rightful  monarch.  The  treasure  he  intended  to  draw 
like  his  brother  Atahuallpa,  chiefly  from  Cuzco,  before  the 
Inca  had  time  to  despoil  the  city. 


414  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Their  Inca's  freedom  all  they  cared  to  ask, 

Each  on  his  shoulders  bearing  high  his  load, 

And  singing  plaintive  songs  along  the  road. 

With  gloating  eyes  the  Spaniards  gazed  on  this. 

And  in  the  hope  of  riches  found  their  bliss  : 

But  gold,  and  silver,  only  fed  their  greed. 

The  more  they  had  the  more  they  seemed  to  need. 

They  saw  at  last  their  fondest  dreams  surpassed. 

Yet  but  reproaches  at  the  captive  cast. 

For,  by  impatience  urged,  they  vented  spleen. 

And  cried — "  Make  haste.     Too  tardily  you  glean." 

Suspicions  of  uprisings,  too,  had  they, 

And  fears  that,  soon,  their  wealth  might  steal  awa}^ 

For  miser-like — their  treasures  brought  them  care — 

The  heavy  load  their  av'rice  made  them  bear„ 

*'  I  meditate,"  the  Inca  said,  "no  ill, 

And  all  Peru's  obedient  to  my  will, 

But  far  away  imperial  Cuzco  lies,. 

And  though  the  city  naught  to  me  denies 

Its  wealth,  I  know,  is  slow  in  reaching  here. 

Yet  rest  secure,  and  deem  me — friend — sincere. 

To  prove  my  truth,  I  thither  pray  you  send. 

And  those  who  go,  my  pass-word  shall  defend." 

Pizarro  ordered  troops  to  there  explore, 

And  speed  the  work  of  gleaning  golden  ore, 

And  more  with  Don  Hernando  *  in  command 

To  search  for  warlike  hosts  throughout  the  land. 

But  peace  prevailed  where'er  they  wandered  there. 

And  scent  of  flowers  floated  on  the  air. 

Vast  flocks  of  llamas  browsed  on  mountain  heights. 

And  shepherds  lived  'mid  pastoral  delights. 

While  condors  o'er  them  soared  in  splendid  flights. 

Gray  towns,  and  hamlets,  met  the  roving  eye, 

And  fields  of  maize,  some  ripe  with  golden  ears, 

*  Hernando  Pizarro,  a  brother  of  Francisco's. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  415 

And  some  with  green,  and  tender,  sprouting  spears, 
While  far  below  the  Cordilleras'  crests 
Flew  gorgeous  birds  with  crimson  on  their  breasts, 
And  valleys  teemed  with  colors  bright  and  gay, 
Which  Flora  labored  grandly  to  display. 
And  blooming  orchards  bore  their  luscious  load, 
V   And  Nature  far  and  wide  her  bounty  showed. 
Fhe  natives  gave  them  welcome  oft,  in  throngs. 
And  danced  before  them  singing  plaintive  songs, 
And  hospitably  gave  them  of  their  cheer. 
Though  feeling  awe  not  wholly  free  from  fear. 
Hernando  to  a  temple  came  at  length — * 
A  building  like  a  fortress  in  its  strength— 
And  overthrew  the  idol  there  enshrined, 
And  to  its  place  a  giant  cross  assigned. 
Then  preached  the  gospel  to  the  heathen  round, 
And  rifled  buried  treasures  from  the  groun  1, 
And  added  riches  thus  to  fresh  renown. 
At  last  he  heard  that  near  a  mountain  town  f 
An  army  lay,  toward  which  he  took  his  way — 
Across  the  Andes  toiling  day  by  day — 
And  with  his  scanty  comrades  faced  the  host. 
For  martial  courage  was  his  proudest  boast, 
And  numbers  failed  to  make  him  feel  afraid. 
Though  he  so  few  could  summon  to  his  aid. 
The  monarch's  greatest  captain  %  held  the  field, 
And  stood  in  all  his  majesty  revealed 
With  five  and  thirty  thousand  at  his  call, 
Yet  powerless  he  seemed  among  them  all. 
He  let  no  words  of  hostile  meaning  fall. 
Nor  struck  a  blow,  but  yielded  to  the  foe. 
Who  bade  him  thence  to  Caxamalca  go. 
And  mitigate  his  hapless  sovereign's  woe, 

*  The  temple  of  the  tutelary  deity  in  the  city  of  Pachacamac. 
t  Xauxa.     \  Challcuchima. 


4i6  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  thither  with  the  Spaniards  he  repaired, 

Nor — in  his  awe — to  fight,  or  question,  dared. 

Then,  when  his  steeds  were  shod  with  silver  ore — 

For  worn  away  were  shoes  that  erst  they  wore — 

Hernando  journeyed  backward  with  his  prize. 

And  brightened  with  his  tale  Pizarro's  eyes. 

The  Indian  captain  sought  his  monarch's  side, 

And  laid  aside  his  dignity,  and  pride. 

He — used  to  homage — then,  a  burden  bore. 

And  bared  his  feet,  and  signs  of  sorrow  wore. 

"  Would,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  the  Inca  neared, 

"That  I'd  been  here  when  first  the  foe  appeared; 

Not  thus  would  thou  a  captive  have  been  made 

While  I,  through  blood,  to  rescue  thee  could  wade ; " 

And  weeping,  then,  he  kissed  the  Inca's  hands. 

And  said — "  O  master,  utter  thy  commands  :  " 

Yet  unresponsive,  he — the  Inca — gazed, 

And  heard  himself  without  emotion  praised, 

His  noblest  vassal  lowly  to  his  view, 

And  all  the  rev'rence  rendered  but  his  due, 

For,  still,  Peru — though  captive — held  him  king, 

And  all  his  people  loved  his  praise  to  sing. 

Around  his  person  pomp  was  still  maintained 

As  in  the  days  when  he  in  freedom  reigned. 

His  houris,  and  his  nobles,  at  his  beck. 

The  Wautii — turban — worn  his  head  to  deck. 

The  crisom  borla  hanging  to  his  eyes. 

And  all  his  garments  bright  with  pleasing  dyes — 

Some  of  vicuna  wool — the  finest  made  ; 

And  oft  was  he  in  robes  of  state  arrayed — 

While  waited  on  with  reverential  care — 

And  what  he'd  worn  another  ne'er  could  wear. 

But  found  its  way  to  consecrated  flames.  * 

*No  utensil  or  garment  used  by  the  Inca  could  ever  be 
used  by  another,  and  whatever  was  laid  aside  by  him  was  con- 
signed to  a  receptacle  kept  for  the  purpose,  to  be  afterwards 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU,  417 

The    Spaniards   showed   respect,    and    taught   him 

games — 
To  marshal  men  on  mimic  fields  in  chess, 
And  play  with  dice — yet  watched  him  none  the  less. 

XVIII. 

From  the  imperial  city,  known  to  fame. 

To  Caxamalca,  back  the  Spaniards  came, 

And  told  of  Cuzco's  splendors  and  extent, 

And  how  in  hammocks  they  had  journeyed  there, 

With  gold,  and  comforts,  meeting  ev'rywhere. 

Each  crowded  town  gave  welcome  as  they  passed, 

And  Cuzco  proved  as  wealthy  as  't  was  vast. 

And  feasted  them  in  palaces  of  gold. 

Pizarro  marvelled  at  the  tales  they  told, 

The  glitt'ring  piles  of  treasure  they  displayed,  * 

And  all  the  honors  to  the  Spaniards  paid. 

Nor  heeded  he  the  outrage  they  had  done — 

The  sacrilege  in  temples  of  the  Sun — 

Their  insolence,  their  viciousness,  and  greed, 

Nor  all  the  hate  their  violence  served  to  breed. 

XIX. 

Ere  this  Almagro  joined  Pizarro's  band 
With  forces,  fresh,  from  New  Granada's  strand,  f 
Three  ships  had  borne  them  to  St.  Michael's  bay — 
Two  hundred  men  equipped  in  war's  array, 

burned,  for  it  would  have  been  regarded  as  sacrilegious  to 
make  common  use  of  anything  that  had  been  touched  by  him. 
*  They  brought  with  them  two  hundred  cargas  of  gold — each 
carga  borne  by  four  Indians — besides  silver. 

t  Almagro  reached  Caxamalca  about  the  middle  of  Febru- 
ary, 1533,  after  landing  at  San  Miguel  in  December,  1532. 


4i8  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

With  fifty  steeds  impatient  for  the  fray — 

And  of  their  comrades'  fortunes  learning  there 

They  sent  them  tidings,  claiming,  then,  their  share. 

Pizarro  hailed  their  coming  with  delight, 

And  saw  in  growing  numbers  greater  might. 

He  met  his  friend  Almagro,  and  was  glad ; 

But  o'er  their  meeting  Indian  hearts  were  sad. 

Before  this  fresh  invasion — fatal  sign — 

The  captive  Inca  felt  his  hopes  decline. 

And  with  a  load  of  sorrow,  hard  to  bear, 

He  yielded  slowly — drooping — to  despair. 

XX. 

The  soldiers  clamored  for  their  share  of  spoil — 

The  fruit  of  daring,  and  intrepid  toil — 

And  all  the  Inca's  ransom  paid  in  gold — 

Barbaric  but  artistic  in  its  mould — 

Passed  into  molten  metal,  as  of  yore 

Ere  it  was  fashioned  from  the  virgin  ore. 

Vase,  salver,  ewer,  goblet,  urn,  and  plate, 

And  things  of  beauty,  met  a  common  fate, 

And  into  bars,  and  ingots,  found  their  way. 

The  hands  that  erst  had  made  them  now  unmade. 

And  works  of  art  as  simple  gold  assayed. 

While  native  craftsmen  mourned  their  wasted  skill, 

And  labored  to  destroy  against  their  will. 

Of  these  a  few,  alone,  escaped  the  wreck 

Spain's  monarch,  and  her  palaces  to  deck. 

The  splendid  booty  was  divided  then, 

Pizarro  dealing  shares  to  all  his  men. 

The  royal  fifth  reserving  for  the  crown, 

And  for  himself  an  emblem  of  renown — 

A  chair  of  fretted  gold — the  Inca's  throne.  * 

*  This  was  of  solid  gold,  worth   twenty-five  thousand /^j<?s. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  419 

Such  precious  spoils  had  ne'er  before  been  known, 
Nor  e'er  have  gladdened  since  explorer's  eyes. 
A  golden  triumph  crowned  the  enterprise. 
The  English,  French,  and  Portuguese,  in  vain 
Had  sailed  the  seas  for  such  prodigious  gain. 

XXI. 

The  eager  Spaniards — "  On  to  Cuzco  !  "  ciied, 

Expecting  there  to  treasures,  new,  divide, 

And  on  to  grander  conquests  swiftly  stride. 

The  captive  Inca  said — "  My  freedom's  due, 

For  to  my  promise  I  have  proven  true." 

Pizarro  owned  his  ransom  had  been  paid, 

And  yet  to  set  him  free  he  felt  afraid. 

'  T  was  but  a  coward's  fear  of  future  ill 

That  made  him  dread  the  Inca's  evil  will. 

And  brood  in  silence  o'er  concealed  designs. 

"  The  Inca's  star,''  he  thought,  "  too  brightly  shines, 

And,  blindly,  all  who  hear  his  word  obey. 

If  freed  he'll  yearn  for  all  his  ancient  sway, 

And  to  resistance  rouse,  perchance,  Peru. 

What  else  can  I  than  slay  the  captive  do  ? 

And  yet  I  would  not  seem  to  thus  decree 


de  oro^  or  castellanos^  each  being  equivalent  to  about  three  dol- 
lars and  seven  cents  of  United  States  coin.  The  total  amount 
of  the  booty  in  gold  was  one  million,  three  hundred  and 
twenty-six  thousand,  five  hundred  and  thirty-nine /<?j^j  de  oro, 
the  commercial  value  of  which  at  that  time  Senor  Clemencin 
of  Madrid,  in  his  Memoirs  of  the  Academy,  and  Prescott, 
agree  in  estimating  at  about  three  millions  and  a  half  of 
pounds  sterling,  or  nearly  fifteen  millions  and  a  half  of  dol- 
lars. The  silver  was  valued  at  fifty-one  thousand,  six  hun- 
dred and  ten  marks.  The  Inca's  ransom,  however,  had  not 
been  fully  paid,  although  Pizarro  through  the  notary  attached 
to  the  expedition,  acquitted  the  Inca  of  all  further  obligation 
relating  to  it,  and  this  was  publicly  proclaimed  to  the  camp. 


420  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  leave  to  others  what  I  fain  would  see. 

I'll  rouse  distrust.     The  camp  for  blood  will  cry. 

Atahuallpa  then,  methinks,  will  die, 

And  of  the  deed,  though  dark,  the  blame  I'll  shun. 

There's  danger  here  while  this  remains  undone." 

Ere  long  't  was  rumored  Indian  hosts  would  rise, 

And  claim  the  captive  monarch  as  their  prize, 

And  wrest  the  ransom  he  had  paid  his  foes, 

And  rain  on  Spanish  armor  crushing  blows. 

From  lip  to  lip  the  startling  story  flew, 

At  each  recital  gaining  something  new. 

Huascar's  friends  pronounced  the  fiction  true, 

And  on  the  Inca  all  the  onus  threw, 

While  Felipillo — traitor  to  his  race — 

Strove  hard  to  bring  his  monarch  to  disgrace. 

The  Spanish  troops  were  quick  to  take  alarm, 

And  deemed  the  sovereign  meditated  harm. 

Pizarro,  frowning,  sought  him  where  he  dwelt, 

And  in  the  rumors  feigned  belief  unfelt. 

"  What  treason's  this  you  meditate  ?  "  said  he. 

"  Is  this  the  gratitude  you  feel  for  me 

Who've,  as  a  brother,  always  served  you  well. 

Your  purpose  I  would  learn,  and  bid  you  tell." 

"  You  jest,"  replied  the  Inca  in  surprise : 

"  For  me  't  would  be  to  thus  conspire  unwise, 

Nor  should  I  e'er,  to  war,  my  sons  advise. 

Against  the  Spaniards  vain  't  would  be  to  rise. 

So  strong,  and  valiant,  and  so  swift  are  they. 

No  thought  have  I,  or  mine,  of  such  a  fray. 

Oh,  Captain,  jest  with  me  no  more,  I  pray ! " 

And  as  he  spoke  his  face  composure  showed. 

For  simulation  there  had  no  abode, 

And  on  his  handsome  features  played  a  smile 

As  if  to  say — "  In  this  I'm  free  from  guile." 

'T  was  consciousness  of  innocence  that  beamed, 

But  this  to  Spanish  eyes  deceptious  seemed. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  421 

"  A  captive,"  said  the  "  Inca,  here  I  lie — 

A  helpless  pris'ner  in  your  hands  am  I. 

How,  then,  could  I  the  thing  imputed  plan 

When  I'd  be  first  to  fall  beneath  the  ban  ? 

Against  my  will  my  warriors  ne'er  would  fight. 

And  well  they  know  your  overwhelming  might ;  '* 

But  he  to  win  the  Spaniard's  favor  failed. 

And  naught  he  said  to  drown  distrust  availed. 

His  limbs  were  chained  where  they  before  were  free, 

In  which  a  sign  portentous  he  could  see. 

A  stronger  guard,  and  closer  watch  were  kept. 

And  o'er  the  change  his  wi,ves,  and  nobles  wept. 

Still  through  the  camp  the  baseless  rumor  flew, 

And  as  it  travelled  more  alarming  grew. 

The  soldiers  feared  in  force  the  foe  would  come, 

And  stood  prepared  to  hear  the  signal  drum, 

Expectant  hour  by  hour  of  fresh  alarms. 

And  sank  to  slumber  only  on  their  arms. 

While  bridled  steeds  were  saddled  night,  and  day. 

Thus,  racked  by  dread,  Pizarro's  army  lay. 

And  from  the  camp  was  banished  all  repose. 

While  toward  the  monarch  murmurs  loud  arose. 

Almagro's  troops  declared  themselves  his  foes. 

"  His  death,". they  cried,  "our  safety  will  secure, 

But  nothing  less  can  make  our  footing  sure." 

Pizarro  heard,  but  seemed  on  this  to  frown, 

And  brave  De  Soto  scowled  the  menace  down. 

To  him  Pizarro  said — "  Go  search  the  land, 

And  see  if  insurrection  shows  its  hand. 

Go  where  the  rumors  say  the  forces  wait. 

On  you,  perchance,  may  rest  the  Inca's  fate." 

XXII. 

When  from  the  camp  De  Soto  took  his  way 
The  troops'  alarm  increased  from  day  to  day, 


422  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  on  Pizarro  calls  were  loudly  made, 
Which  he — as  if  compelled  to  yield — obeyed. 
"Let  him  at  least,"  the  Spaniard  said,  "be  tried. 
And  by  the  verdict  at  the  camp  abide." 
Twelve  charges,  then,  against  him  he  preferred. 
And    these    with    wild,    and    wond'ring    looks   he 

heard. 
For  all  but  one  to  ancient  ways  referred — 
To  customs  handed  down  from  olden  times — 
And  lawful  acts  were  stigmatized  as  crimes. 
He  looked  to  find  a  friend,  but  looked  in  vain, 
Among  the  bronzed,  and. bearded,  sons  of  Spain. 
Hernando,  *  once  his  friend,  was  on  the  main. 
And  toward  Castile,  with  gold,  pursued  his  way. 
And  from  the  camp  De  Soto  long  might  stay. 
The  case  Pizarro,  and  Almagro,  tried — 
No  other  judge  was  seated  at  their  side — 
And  Felipillo,  as  directed,  lied, 
Nor  long  it  took  the  judges  to  decide. 
They  found  the  Inca  Guilty,  as  designed, 
And  on  the  spot  the  fatal  warrant  signed. 
Which  to  the  stake  his  body,  soon,  consigned. 
"  The  culprit  burn  alive,"  the  sentence  read, 
"  And  this  be  done  before  the  day  hath  fled." 
The  priest  Valverde  said — "  A  righteous  doom  ! 
He  merits  not  interment  in  a  tomb  : " 
But  some  there  were  among  that  martial  throng 
Who  now  began  to  feel  the  deed  a  wrong. 
And,  thus  to  do,  Pizarro's  power  denied, 
And  said — "  In  Spain  the  Inca  should  be  tried." 
Yet  overwhelming  numbers  silenced  these. 
And  cried — "  We  stand  by  all  our  chief's  decrees. 


*  Hernando  Pizarro,  who  had  sailed  for  Spain,  with  the 
royal  fifth  of  the  treasure,  and  to  give  an  account  of  the 
achievements  of  the  conquerors  to  the  Emperor  Charles  V. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  4^3 

To  all  of  us  the  Inca's  guilt  is  clear, 

And  why  should  we  to  Execute  him  fear? 

Let  those  who  will  against  Pizarro  fight, 

But  this  we  know, — our  leader's  in  the  right. 

And  if  a  few — disloyal  to  his  sway — 

Should  to  disorder  wish  the  camp  a  prey, 

Then  shall  their  names  hereafter  bear  a  stain, 

And  on  the  record  ill  appear  in  Spain." 

High  words  to  open  rupture  nearly  led. 

And  bitter  things  on  either  side  were  said. 

But  by  the  strong  the  weak  were  swiftly  crushed. 

And  Opposition's  manly  voice  was  hushed. 

The  mass  refused  the  Inca's  life  to  spare. 

Yet  Justice  left  her  protest  written  there. 

XXIII. 

The  tidings  quickly  reached  the  Inca's  ear. 

And  for  a  moment  filled  his  mind  with  fear. 

His  worst  forebodings  scarce  for  this  prepared, 

And,  where  before  he'd  wavered,  he  despaired. 

He  felt  the  blow  a  thunderbolt  of  fate, 

And  wept  in  sorrow  o'er  his  hapless  state. 

"  Naught,"  turning  to  Pizarro,  he  exclaimed, 

"Have  I  e'er  done  of  which  to  feel  ashamed. 

Why  then  should  I  to  suffer  thus  be  made, 

And  why  should  you  my  person  so  degrade — 

You  who  but  friendship  have  from  me  received  ? 

Alas,  for  me,  so  bitterly  deceived  ! 

Have  I  in  vain  my  treasures  rendered  you  ? 

Oh,  tell  me  why  man  thus  to  man  should  do  ? 

I  give  my  gold  but  hold  existence  dear. 

Oh,  spare  me  this,  and  take  whate'er  I've  here. 

Twice  o'er  will  I  my  ransom  gladly  pay. 

And  o'er  my  country  give  j^ou  boundless  sway, 

And  by  a  pledge  each  Spaniard's  life  secure — 


424  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

And  rest  assured — O  Chief — my  motive's  pure — 
If  you'll  but  shield  me,  now,  from  Death's  embrace, 
And  let  me  live  to  mourn  my  fallen  race." 
Pizarro  turned,  with  troubled  look,  away, 
But  not  a  word  to  comfort  he'd  to  say. 
The  Inca's  sad  entreaty  touched  his  heart, 
But  none  the  less  he'd  play  his  cruel  part. 
And  to  his  soldiers'  clamors  seem,  to  yield. 
The  monarch  felt  his  fate  already  sealed. 
And  all  his  pleadings  with  Pizarro  vain, 
And,  feeling  thus,  found  courage  in  despair, 
And  fortitude  calamity  to  bear. 
Like  morning  mists  before  the  shining  sun 
His   fears   dissolved.    "  The    worst,"  said    he,    "  be 
done." 

XXIV. 

The  trumpet's  sound  through  Caxamalca's  square 
Awoke  its  echoes  on  the  evening  air. 
Proclaiming  unto  all  the  Inca's  doom. 
O'er  all  the  vale  there  hung  a  pall  of  gloom. 
For  in  the  west  the  sun  had  sunk  from  view, 
And  Night  her  mantle  o'er  the  prospect  threw — 
Night  just  emerging  from  the  twilight's  arms 
Before  the  moon  had  shed  abroad  her  charms. 
Out  in  the  square  the  torches  shed  their  glare, 
And  all  the  Spanish  troops  had  gathered  there.* 
Chained  hand  and  foot  the  Inca  forth  was  led, 
And  at  his  side  Valverde  bowed  his  head, 
And  said — "  Your  superstition  fling  away 
And  at  the  throne  of  Grace  for  mercy  pray. 
The  Saviour's  blood  will  wash  your  sins  away," 
For  though  the  priest  to  death  consigned  the  chief, 

*  This  ^Yas  two  hours  after  sunset  on  the  29th  of  August, 
1533- 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  425 

And  ne'er  with  pity  viewed  the  captive's  grief, 
He  for  his  soul's  salvation  strove  with  zeal 
To  serve  the  Cross,  and  glorify  Castile, 
But  to  the  Sun  the  Inca  still  was  true. 
Valverde  fierce  with  indignation  grew. 

XXV. 

The  Spaniards  to  the  stake  their  victim  bound. 
And  piled  his  pyre  with  fagots  all  around. 
Once  more  the  Cross  Valverde  raised  on  high, 
And  cried — "  Embrace  you  this  before  you  die, — 
And  be  baptised,  if  you  to  bliss  aspire. 
If  so  you  do,  not  thus  you'll  here  expire, 
But,  strangled,  perish  unconsumed  by  fire." 
"If  this  indeed,"  the  monarch  spoke,  "  is  true, 
I'll  as  you  wish  in  these  last  moments  do." 
Pizarro  said — "The  promise  I  endorse. 
Unscathed  by  flames — if  so — shall  be  thy  corse." 
Valverde  then,  baptised  him  where  he  stood,  * 
Exclaiming — "Now    you're     numbered     with     the 

good." 
The  Inca  toward  Pizarro  turned  his  eyes — 
Eyes  full  of  thought  that  seemed  to  agonize. 
And  said — "  In  Quito  let  my  dust  repose, 
For  there  a  cedar  o'er  my  mother  grows. 
There  I  was  born,  and  passed  my  sweetest  days, 
And  uttered  first  to  Phcebus  tuneful  praise  : 
And  for  my  children,  oh  !  compassion  .show. 
Such  bitterness  as  this  they  ne'er  should  know. 
Around  them  throw  Protection's  kindly  shield, 
And  may  their  wounds  by  time  at  length  be  healed. 


*  He  was  baptised  in  the  name  of  Jnan  de  Atahuallpa — 
the  name  of  Juan  having  been  given  owing  to  its  being  the 
day  of  St.  John  the  Baptist. 


426  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

All  those  I  love  I  leave  in  charge  to  you, 

And  to  the  world  I  bid  a  long  adieu." 

His  handsome  features,  which  were  stern  before, 

A  touch  of  tender  melancholy  wore, 

And  all  the  muscles  of  his  stately  frame 

Relaxed  from  rigid  tension,  now,  became. 

While  Resignation  seemed  to  lift  him  up. 

And  stoic-like  he  drank  the  bitter  cup. 

Then  calmly  he  submitted  to  his  fate, 

Nor  long  for  execution  he'd  to  wait. 

The  fatal  noose  about  his  neck  was  wound ; 

The  tight'ning  stick  was  twisted  sharply  round. 

And  he — garroted — in  a  moment  died. 

While  Spaniards  murmured  credos  at  his  side 

From  God's  avenging  wrath  to  save  his  soul. 

And  lead  him  to  the  Blest's  eternal  goal. 

Thus,  with  their  victim's  plunder  rich,  they  prayed. 

And  friendship  with  a  murder,  foul,  repaid. 

XXVI.      / 

Through  all  the  hours  of  that  eventful  night, 
And  till  the  sun  renewed  its  welcome  light. 
The  Inca's  body,  bound  and  strangled,  lay — 
A  ghastly  sight  to  meet  the  opening  day  : 
But  then  the  Spaniards  bore  the  corse  away. 
And,  in  the  church  they'd  fashioned  by  the  square,* 
They  o'er  it  with  their  dirges  filled  the  air, 
Aud  there  Valverde  said — "  A  crown  he's  won. 
A  new  and  brighter  life  he's  now  begun."    • 
His  obsequies  with  solemn  pomp  were  done. 
And  mourning  garb  the  leading  Spaniards  wore. 
And  feigned  to  feel  with  timely  sorrow  sore — 


*The  Spaniards  had  altered  a  native  building  into  a  place 
of  worship  which  they  called  the  church  of  San  Francisco. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  427 

A  solemn  farce  which  mourning  mocked — a  show 

That  travestied  and  counterfeited  woe. 

The  air  without  was  full  of  wailing  cries 

Which  to  the  throne  of  Grace  appeared  to  rise, 

And  drowned  the  Spaniards'  voices  heard  wiihin 

As  if  rebuking,  in  their  anguish,  sin. 

A  rush,  and  lo  !  the  doors  were  opened  wide, 

And  women  hurried  to  the  Inca's  side — 

His  wives  and  sisters,  moaning  as  they  went — 

And  gave  to  frantic  grief  the  freest  vent. 

And  cried — "  To  us  the  Inca's  rites  belong. 

We'll  celebrate  them  here  with  prayers,  and  song. 

And  where  he  rests  our  lifeless  forms  shall  lie ; 

Our  duty,  and  our  pleasure,  is  to  die. 

And,  with  him,  to  the  land  of  spirits  fly — 

The  bright,  and  splendid,  mansions  of  the  Sun. 

Our  work  is  done  :  our  race  on  earth  is  run." 

The     Spaniards     said — "  Begone !    why    come    ye 

here  ? 
Ye  desecrate  the  Christian  Inca*s  bier," 
And  drove  them — howling — from  the  sacred  place — 
Each  with  despair  depicted  in  her  face. 
Some  slew  themselves  in  secret  ere  the  night, 
And  to  the  world  of  spirits  took  their  flight — 
To  join  the  Inca  in  the  realms  of  light — 
And  mourning  filled  the  land — a  woeful  sight. 

Beside  the  church  the  Inca's  dust  was  laid. 

And  Spaniards  ne'er  to  Quito  this  conveyed, 

But,  when  from  Caxamalca  journeyed  they. 

His  kindred  bore  the  prized  remains  away. 

Nor  knew  the  Spaniards — later — where  they  lay.* 


*Tradition  says  the  body  was  carried  to  Quito,  but  the 
Spaniards  long  afterward — thinking  that  treasure  had  been 
buried  with  it — searched  there  for  the  remains  in  vain. 


428  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

XXVII. 

Scarce  o'er  the  Inca's  form  had  closed  the  grave, 
When  coming  troops  the  cry  of  greeting  gave, 
And  forward  rode  De  Soto  to  the  square, 
While  plaudits  from  his  comrades  filled  the  air. 
"  No  foe,"  he  cried,  "  no  hostile  force  I  found. 
The  country's  peaceful  here  and  all  around." 
He  learnt  the  Inca's  fate  with  keen  surprise. 
And  indignation  kindled  in  his  eyes. 
He  sought  Pizarro  with  an  angry  look. 
And  uttered  words  that  savored  of  rebuke. 
"  Too  rash,  alas  !  "  said  he,  "  too  rash  3^ou've  been 
No  rising  wheresoe'er  we  went  was  seen, 
Nor  aught  I  met  but  friendship  on  my  way. 
How  came  you  one  so  guiltless  thus  to  slay  ? 
Why  not  have  sent  him  to  be  tried  in  Spain  ? 
And  from  his  murder  what  can  Spaniards  gain  1  " 
Pizarro,  wearing  mourning  garb,  replied — 
"  I  acted  rashly,  true  :  Requelme*  lied  ; 
Valverde,  too,  was  wanting  as  a  guide, 
And  these,  and  more,  deceived  me  day  by  day, 
And  cried — *  Beware  !  the  Inca  plots  a  fray  : '  " 
But  each  accused,  the  charges  made  denied, 
And  w^ore  an  aspect  of  oifended  pride. 
Upbraiding  him — Pizarro — for  the  deed. 
Thus  in  the  camp  was  sown  Dissension's  seed. 
And  words  between  the  leaders  mounted  high. 
And  rising  anger  flashed  from  eye  to  eye. 
While  each  upon  the  other  threw  the  blame. 
Their  own  contention  proved  their  act  a  shame. 
And  showed  their  victim  guiltless — wrongly  slain. 
His  murder,  now,  the  Spaniards  felt  a  stain. 


*The  Royal  Treasurer,  who  had  come  with  Almagro  from 
San  Miguel. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  429 

No  darker  deed  Pizarro  e'er  had  done — 
Than  this — against  the  Children  of  tlie  Sun, 
Though   greater   carnage,   far,    he'd   wrought,  and 

rude. 
And  though  in  blood  he'd  oft  his  hands  imbrued. 
'T  was  broken  faith,  and  cruelty  refined — 
'T  was  wickedness  and  treachery  combined — 
To  take  the  life  he  promised  to  preserve, 
And  like  a  foe  a  friend  so  basely  serve, 
And  time  will  ne'er  a  blot  so  foul  efface. 
The  heartless  slaughter  of  a  helpless  race 
Ere  this  had  stamped  Pizarro  deeply  base. 
But  doubly  base  a  crime  so  wanton  seemed, 
And  naught  its  vile  atrociousness  redeemed. 
Could  Retribution  fail  to  mark  the  man, 
And  hold  him  ever  after  'neath  the  ban  ? 
Or,  like  his  victim  doom  that  he  should  die  ? 
Who  can  avenging  Providence  deny. 
Or  from  his  own  accusing  conscience  fly  t 
Long  after  this  Pizarro  passed  away — 
Red-handed,  foul  Assassination's  prey.* 

XXVIII. 

The  Tnca's  death  spread  universal  gloom, 

And  all  Peru  in  this  beheld  its  doom. 

The  Children  of  the  Sun  were  sore  aghast. 

And  saw  their  ancient  glory  o'er  at  last. 

To  other  hands  the  Inca's  sceptre  passed, 

And  those  who'd  lived  beneath  the  monarch's  sway, 

And  learned  to  love,  to  honor,  and  obey. 

Like  steeds  without  their  riders  now  were  left — 


♦Pizarro  was  assassinated  by  Spanish  conspirators  at  Lima 
on  the  26th  of  June,  1541 ;  nearly  eight  years  after  the  execu- 
tion of  Atahuallpa. 


430  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

Of  all  that  erst  had  guided  them  bereft. 
From  order  to  disorder  passed  the  realm, 
When  he — their  ruler — left  the  nation's  helm, 
And  old  restraints  that  held  in  check  before 
Gave  way  to  wild  excess  unknown  of  yore. 
Corrupted  by  the  Spaniard's  thirst  for  gold 
The  natives,  who  had  prized  it  ne'er  of  old, 
With  lustful  eyes  surveyed  the  glitt'ring  ore, 
And  as  they  gleaned  it  thirsted  still  for  more, 
And  hid  it  in  the  forest,  and  in  caves, 
And  buried  it  in  deep,  secluded  graves — 
To  guard  it  from  the  spoliator's  hand 
Till  he  no  more  was  ruler  in  the  land. 
Their  chiefs  commanding  regions  far  away 
Asserted,  now,  an  independent  sway. 
And  rife  was  revolution  through  Peru. 
The  old  was  superseded  by  the  new. 

XXIX. 

Pizarro  camped  at  Caxamalca  still, 
And  sought  a  chief  the  Inca's  throne  to  fill — 
One  who  would  prove  obedient  to  his  will, 
And  play  his  part — subordinate — with  skill, 
Through  such  esteeming  he'd  the  easier  rule. 
He  in  Toparca  found  a  pliant  tool — 
A  brother  of  Atahuallpa  slain — 
Who  humbly  vowed  subservience  to  Spain. 
That  Manco  was  the  rightful  heir  he  knew — 
Huascar's  brother  whom  his  kinsman  slew — 
But,  to  the  Spaniards,  felt  he'd  prove  untrue, 
So  he  with  pomp  the  young  Toparca  crowned 
Amid  the  cannon's  and  the  trumpet's  sound, 
And  on  his  brows  the  crimson  borla  hung, 
And  at  his  feet  imperial  garlands  flung, 
While  Indian  vassals,  round  him,  homage  paid, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  431 

And  Christian  priests  before  him  knelt  and  prayed. 
Toparca  was  the  reigning  Inca  now, 
And  all  Peru  was  told  to  him  to  bow. 

XXX. 

The  troops  to  Cuzco  turned  their  eager  eyes, 

For  all  in  this  beheld  a  dazzling  prize — 

Its  palaces,  and  temples,  bright  with  gold, 

Ere  long  to  yield  their  numbers  wealth  untold. 

From  Caxamalca's  square  they  marched  away 

With  banners  streaming,  and  with  music  gay. 

Five  hundred  strong,  or  less,  in  all  were  they, 

Of  whom  a  third  were  mounted  for  the  fray. 

Toparca  with  the  army  took  his  way 

Borne  in  x\tahuallpa's  palanquin — 

A  lustrous  mass  of  crimson,  gold,  and  green — 

With  all  the  outward  signs  of  high  estate 

As  if  he  were  indeed  a  monarch  great, 

And  not  the  royal  puppet  of  an  hour 

Who  held  not  though  he  seemed  possessed  of  power. 

While  Challcuchima,*  in  a  litter  too. 

Was  chief  of  his  imposing  retinue. 

Which  moved  in  dense  and  picturesque  array. 

Their  course  along  the  Inca's  highway  lay. 

That  to  Peru's  imperial  city  led 

Across  the  Cordillera's  rugged  bed, 

And  naught  the  march  impeded  day  by  day 

Until  they  reached  the  vale  of  Xauxa.t 

Then  native  warriors  gathered  by  the  stream, 

Which  in  the  sunlight  there  was  seen  to  gleam, 

And  tore  away  the  bridge  that  spanned  it  o'er, 

*  Atahuallpa's  foremost  military  commander,  who  accom- 
panied Hernando  Pizarro  to  Caxamalca  from  the  place  where 
his  army  was  camped  near  Xauxa. 

t  Pronounce  Zau-ex-d. 


432  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU, 

And  stood  prepared  for  action  on  the  shore. 

The  Spaniards  all  undaunted  swam  the  breach, 

And  landed  safely  on  the  sandy  beach, 

When  in  dismay  the  Indian  army  fled, 

And  in  pursuit  the  angry  Spaniards  sped. 

And  slaughtered  all  who  failed  their  wrath  to  flee. 

Then  cried  aloud — "  We've  won  the  victory !  " 

And  desecrated  each  barbaric  shrine. 

And  placed  the  emblems  of  their  faith  divine — 

The  Child  and  Virgin — where  they'd  idols  found, 

And  consecrated,  all  around,  the  ground, 

Valverde's  voice  in  prayer  ascending  high. 

"  'Tis  now,"  said  he,  "  we  feel  to  Jesus  nigh. 

To  Him,  and  not  ourselves,  be  all  the  praise." 

There,  in  the  vale,  Pizarro  camped  for  days. 

And  bade,  the  while,  De  Soto  forward  go 

With  sixty  horse  to  face  again  the  foe. 

The  osier  bridges  torn  away  restore. 

And  far  along  the  royal  road  explore. 

Where  e''er  he  went  he  saw  aggressive  signs 

Suggestive  of  the  enemy's  designs — 

Burnt  villages,  and  barricades  of  trees. 

And  torrents,  that  had  erst  been  crossed  with  ease, 

Now  deep,  unbridged,  impediments  to  speed. 

'T  was  hard  he  found  at  Bilcas  to  proceed. 

For  through  the  air  a  flight  of  missiles  flew. 

And  here  and  there  a  fighting  Spaniard  slew, 

But  through  the  wild  Sierra  on  he  pressed. 

Nor  paused  to  give  his  weary  soldiers  rest. 

Then, when  entangled  in  the  mountain  chain, 

Fresh  missiles  on  their  ranks  began  to  rain, 

While  from  the  rocky  passes  thousands  sprang, 

And  through  the  air  their  cries — resounding — rang. 

Down  like  a  torrent  poured  the  Indian  throng — 

A  multitude  whose  numbers  made  them  strong — 

And  overthrew  the  rider  and  his  steed, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  '  433 

And  carried  consternation  in  their  speed. 

Those  foremost,  climbing  up  the  steep  ascent, 

Were  backward  in  disorder — reeling — sent 

On  those — their  comrades — toiling  close  behind, 

Whose    battered    steeds     careered,    confused    and 

blind, 
Amid  the  storm  of  arrows,  darts,  and  stones, 
Which  drew  from  wounded  riders  plaintive  groans. 
De  Soto  saw  destruction  near  at  hand. 
And  strove  to  kindle  courage  in  his  band, 
And  cheer  them  with  his  ringing  battle-cry, 
That  through  the  mountains  made  the  echoes  fly. 
"  Christo  y  Santiago  f^^  was  the  sound 
That  e'en  the  dreadful  din  of  battle  drowned. 
Beyond  the  gorge  a  level  plain  was  seen — 
With  rocks  around  it — carpeted  with  green. 
And  madly  tried  the  Spaniards  this  to  gain. 
Nor  heeded — as  they  went — their  comrades  slain, 
Aware  that  all  their  dismal  fate  would  share 
If  they  much  longer  lingered  battling  there. 
At  length  they  gained  the  broad  and  level  ground 
Where  horse  and  rider  scope  for  action  found. 
Once  more  De  Soto  made  the  rocks  resound 
With  ringing  cries  that  warmed  the  warrior's  heart, 
And  spurred  him  on  to  play  a  hero's  part. 
Once  more  was  felt  the  battle's  shock  severe, 
And  hundreds  fell  beneath  the  sword  and  spear, 
But  firm  remained  the  legions  of  Peru. 
Ere  long,  o'er  all,  the  night  its  mantle  threw. 
And  hid  the  hosts  contending  from  the  view. 
The  Indians  felt  of  vict'ry  now  secure. 
De  Soto  said — "  The  foe's  defeat  is  sure, 
For  Christ  will  ne'er  desert  us  in  our  need. 
The  Christian's  triumph — mark  me  ! — is  decreed. 
But  trust  in  God,  and  all  will  yet  be  well. 
We'll  Ions:  survive  of  this  the  tale  to  tell. 


434  '    THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

I've  tidings  sent  Pizarro  ere  to  da}^, 

And  warned  him  of  a  fierce  impending  fray, 

And  begged  for  forces,  fresh,  without  delay. 

Our  comrades,  now,  perchance,  are  on  the  way. 

And,  may  be,  soon  we'll  hear  their  trumpets  bray. 

Repose  till  dawn,  and  we'll  the  fight  renew. 

And  to  the  Cross  and  Crown  be  staunch  and  true." 

That  night  Almagro  by  Pizarro  sent — 
The  air  with  trumpets  in  their  hearing  rent, 
To  which  their  bugles  quickly  made  reply. 
And  echoes  all  around  were  heard  to  fly. 
'Twas  welcome  music  to  De  Soto's  ears. 
And  banished  in  a  moment  all  his  fears. 
Almagro  joined  him  ere  the  night  had  flown — 
While  neither  moon  nor  star  above  them  shone — 
And  told  how  on  he'd  urged  his  weary  steeds. 
When  tidings  reached  him  of  De  Soto's  needs, 
In  fear  that  ere  he  brought  his  comrade  aid 
He'd  in  the  dust,  with  all  his  band,  be  laid. 

The  morrow  dawned  magnificently  fair. 

And  cool,  and  breezy,  was  the  mountain  air. 

While  with  dismay  the  Indian  host  surveyed 

A  larger  force  against  their  arms  arrayed 

Than  on  the  eve  preceding,  when  the  fight 

Had  only  ceased  as  fell  the  shades  of  night. 

"  'T  is  vain,"  said  they,  "  to  strive  with  such  as  these. 

Whose  numbers  swell  whene'er  their  leaders  please," 

And  ere  a  blow  was  struck  they  fled  the  scene. 

Nor  where  they'd  fought  before  again  were  seen. 

The  passes  now  were  free  to  all  their  foes. 

Who  cried  aloud — "In  God  we  trust  repose !  " 

And  onward  pressed  with  hope  within  renewed. 

And  left  the  wild  Sierra's  solitude — 

O'er  which  they  saw  the  condor  slowly  sail — 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU,  435 

To  camp  beyond  it  in  a  verdant  vale, 

And  wait  Pizarro's  coming,  and  ere  long 

He  joined  his  comrades  in  a  martial  song. 

Then  Mass  was  said,  and  prayers  arose  on  high — 

A  solemn  scene  beneath  that  azure  sky — 

And  each  invader  felt  crusading  zeal. 

And  vowed  to  fight  for  Jesus,  and  Castile. 

Thus  spoke  Pizarro  when  they'd  ceased  to  pray — 

"  I  left  my  treasure — comrades — on  the  way  * 

With  forty  men  to  guard  it  night  and  day, 

And  make  the  native  multitude  obey, 

And  there  the  young  Toparco,  sad  to  say. 

To  death,  remorseless,  fell  an  easy  prey. 

Methinks  that  Challcuchima,  moved  by  hate. 

In  secret  planned  the  Inca's  hapless  fate. 

And  urged  to  arms  the  hosts  ye  fought  so  well. 

In  him  I  see  an  instrument  of  hell. 

Yet  still  he  lives  though  manacled  and  chained, 

Nor  with  his  blood  my  hands  shall  e'er  be  stained 

Until  his  guilt  to  all  is  rendered  clear. 

A  captive  thus  I've  brought  him — Spaniards  ! — here." 

The  captive  chief  was  tried,  and  guilty  found, 

And  to  the  stake  ere  night  his  form  was  bound. 

The  priest  Valverde  kneeling  at  his  side 

Exclaiming — "  Take  you  Jesus  for  your  guide  !  " 

But,  unconverted,  in  the  flames  he  died. 

And  to  his  god  ere  dying  bravely  cried — 

He  who  had  been  Atahuallpa's  pride. 

XXXI. 

The  fagots  scarce  had  burned  themselves  away — 
While  where  the  chief  had  stood  his  ashes  lay — 

*  At  Xauxa. 


436  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

When   toward     the   camp  there    came   with    great 

display 
A  native  noble  friendly  in  design, 
Who  said  "  By  right  divine  the  throne  is  mine  !  " 
'T  was  Manco,  to  the  crown  the  rightful  heir — 
Huascar's  brother,  with  a  royal  air — 
Who  deeming,  to  the  foe,  resistance  vain, 
Now  sought  protection  from  the  sons  of  Spain. 
Unheeding  those  who  prayed  he'd  strike  a  blow 
And  lay  the  fierce  invading  Christians  low. 
Pizarro  gave  the  prince  a  welcome  kind, 
And  said  "  In  me  a  friend  you'll — Manco — find. 
I  journeyed  here  to  serve  Huascar's  cause, 
And  punish  those  who'd  trampled  on  the  laws." 
He  saw  in  him  an  instrument  of  power 
To  serve  the  mighty  purpose  of  the  hour — 
A  puppet  who  a  royal  part  could  play. 
And  give  him  o'er  Peru  a  monarch's  sway, 
And  said,  "  To  Cuzco  onward  come  with  me, 
And  to  Castile  and  Jesus  bow  the  knee  !  " 
On  through  the  wild  Sierra  sped  the  band. 
And  soon  again  were  battling  hand  to  hand, 
But  with  defeat  they  overwhelmed  their  foes, 
And  won,  beyond  the  narrow  pass,  repose. 
At  length  that  day,  ere  sank  the  sun  from  view, 
They  near  to  Cuzco's  savage  splendors  drew, 
And  saw  the  city  gilded  by  its  rays. 
And  showed  their  admiration  in  their  gaze. 
Long  lines  of  solid  buildings,  white  and  low, 
Decked  out  the  distance  in  a  golden  glow, 
And  gave  a  look  of  grandeur  to  the  vale, 
While  mountains  round  it  bared  their  rugged  breasts, 
And  reared  on  high  their  sharp  volcanic  crests. 
Pizarro  lay  beyond  the  gates  till  morn  * 

*  The  morning  of  the  fifteenth  of  November,  1533. 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  437 

When  through    the   camp    was   heard  the   rousing 

horn — 
A  signal  ev'ry  Spaniard  round  him  !< new. 
The  leader  cried — "  The  march  we'll  now  renew, 
And  Jesus  guard  each  one  to  Country  true  !  " 
The  suburbs  with  a  countless  throng  were  filled, 
Whose  tongues  were  by  their  own  amazement  stilled. 
To  them  the  spectacle  indeed  was  grand — 
A  pageant  foreign  to  their  native  land — 
A  startling  but  magnificent  display. 
In  solemn  awe  they  viewed  the  bright  array — 
The  glitt'ring  arms,  the  riders  and  their  steeds, 
The  fierce  Pizarro  famous  for  his  deeds, 
The  armor  that  was  worn  by  each  and  all ; 
And  all  they  saw  but  tended  to  appall. 
Their  bearded  faces  and  complexions  fair, 
The  fineness  and  the  color  of  their  hair. 
Their  lofty  port,  their  martial  mien,  and  tread, 
But  wonder  through  the  native  legions  spread. 
Were  these  indeed  the  Children  of  the  Sun 
Who'd  thus  their  native  land  so  soon  o'errun  .? 
And  as  they  heard  their  trumpet  notes  resound. 
And  seemed  to  feel  the  horsemen  shake  the  ground, 
They  felt  themselves  but  pigmies  by  their  side. 
And  o'er  their  country's  falling  fortunes  sighed. 

On  toward  the  square  through  narrow    streets   and 

long— 
And    paved    with    pebbles — marched   the    Spanish 

throng, 
While  through  each  street  a  limpid  brooklet  flowed. 
And  buzzards  here  and  there  their  plumage  showed. 
Of  brick,  or  stone,  but  lightly  thatched  with  straw, 
Each  dwelling  seemed,  the  stern  invaders  saw. 
And  habitations  thickly  lined  the  way, 
Whose  outer  walls  were  oft  with  colors  gay. 


438  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

The  city's  square  was  vast  indeed  to  view, 

And  overlooked  by  mountains  green  and  blue. 

On  ev'ry  side  extended  buildings  low 

As  white — save  for  artistic  forms — as  snow — 

The  palaces  of  Incas  now  no  more, 

Bedecked  within  with  shining  golden  ore. 

O'er  one  of  these  a  graceful  turret  rose, 

Which,  wisely,  for  himself  Pizarro  chose. 

While  camped  his  soldiers  in  the  square  below 

Alert  to  meet — whene'er  assailed — the  foe. 

But  Cuzco  struck  no  self-defending  blow. 

Though  on  a  rock  a  fortress  crowned  the  scene — 

The  strongest  that  Pizarro  e'er  had  seen — 

And  troops  in  dusky  multitudes  were  there, 

No  missile  from  its  ramparts  ploughed  the  air. 

But  silently  it  yielded  to  the  strong — 

Another  linklet  in  the  chain  of  wrong. 

Down  from  its  stony  walls  Pizarro  gazed. 

And  gazing,  far  and  wide,  the  prospect  praised — 

The  mountains  so  magnificent  and  wild, 

And  rocks  on  rocks  in  rugged  masses  piled, 

And  waterfalls  that  sparkled  in  the  sun. 

While  Cuzco's  vale  extended  far  below — 

Where  ceaseless  verdure  wore  a  golden  glow — 

The  city  rising  grandly  on  its  face. 

Combining  with  its  splendor  fitting  grace. 

And  over  all  the  sky's  pellucid  blue 

Enhanced  the  fascination  of  the  view — 

A  sky  but  seldom  sullied  by  a  cloud. 

The  city's  heart  a  sparkling  river  ploughed — 

By  bridges  spanned  at  ev'ry  thoroughfare — 

Whose  stony  banks  displayed  artistic  care. 

Thus   smoothly   flagged — from    quarries    deep   and 

gray— 
For  twenty  leagues,  or  more,  extended  they. 
Four  lengthy  streets — right  angled — left  the  square — ■ 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  439 

Fine  pebble-paved,  and  white  as  china-ware — 
And  lost  themselves  in  far  extending  roads 
Diversified  by  picturesque  abodes, 
While  Cuzco's  temple  to  the  Sun  inscribed — 
Which  alien  language  yet  has  ne'er  described — 
Revealed  its  golden  splendors  to  the  sight 
In  his — the  glorious  Sun's — refulgent  light. 

The  Spaniards  gazed  around  with  gloating  eyes, 
And  in  each  fane  and  palace  saw  a  prize, 
Then  stripped  them  all  for  booty,  and  were  glad, 
While  Cuzco  o'er  the  sacrilege  was  sad. 
The  plates  of  gold  upon  the  temple's  walls 
And  those  that  beautified  the  palace  halls. 
By  rude  despoiling  hands  were  torn  away, 
And  sepulchres,  where  royal  mummies  lay, 
Were  rifled  of  the  jewels  of  the  dead, 
And  plunder  only  Spanish  av'rice  fed. 
Rapacity  was  rampant,  and  the  spoil 
Too  well  rewarded  the  invader's  toil,* 
Till — o'er  abundant — gold  less  prized  became. 
And  those  who'd  won  it  chanced  it  on  a  game — 
For  gambling  to  the  Spaniards  was  delight — 
And  fortunes  vanished  in  a  single  night. 
Thus  riches  swiftly  winged  themselves  away. 
While  one  ere  sunrise  played  the  Sun  away,t 
And  then  to  desperation  fell  a  prey. 
Some    with    their    wealth    sailed — gladly   back   to 
Spain, 

*Sancho,  the  royal  notary,  estimated  the  amount  at  only 
t^o^200  pesos  de  oro,  and  215,000  marks  of  silver,  but  other 
authorities  said  it  exceeded  Atahuallpa's  ransom. 

t  One  soldier  as  his  share  of  the  booty  received  an  image 
of  the  sun  in  gold,  and  this  he  lost  by  gambling  in  a  single 
night,  whence  arose  the  Spanish  proverb y>^^^v2  el  Sol  antes  que 
amanezca — play  away  the  sun  before  sunrise. 


440  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

But  more  were  eager  greater  wealth  to  gain, 
And  in  Peru  resolved  to  still  remain, 
As  proud  usurpers  o'er  the  land  to  reign — 
The  hapless  country  now  become  their  prey. 
Peru  lay  crushed  beneath  the  Spaniards'  sway. 


FINALE. 

Ere  long  by  lust  of  conquest  fired  anew 

De  Soto — who'd  exploited  in  Peru, 

And  voyaged  back  to  Spain  for  forces  new — 

By  tales  alluring  to  his  banner  drew 

Six  hundred  men,  well  armed,  with  many  mailed — 

The  bloom  of  Spanish  chivalry — and  sailed 

To  find  and  sack  some  new  Peru,  but  failed. 

Yet  found  instead  the  world's  most  mighty  stream, 

Whose  waters  like  a  mirror  seemed  to  beam. 

But  soon,  while  on  achievement  bent,  he  died  - 

Beside  the  Mississippi's  splendid  tide, 

That    flows    three    thousand    miles    with    swelling 

pride — 
The  noble  river  he  had  first  descried, 
Aud  o'er  it  left  the  flag  of  Spain  to  wave — 
And  in  it  found  an  undenoted  grave,* 

*  De  Soto,  who  had  become  famous  as  one  of  the  com- 
panions of  Pizarro  in  Peru,  sailed  with  six  hundred  followers, 
from  a  Spanish  port  in  1538  to  conquer  Florida,  a  project 
favored  by  Charles  V.  After  touching  at  Cuba  they  reached 
the  port  of  Spiritu  Santoa  nd  disembarked.  Most  of  the  ships 
were  then  sent  back  to  Cuba,  and  the  adventurers,  many  on 
horseback,  but  the  majority  on  foot,  commenced  their  long 
and  weary  march.  On  Aprii  25,  1541,  they  came  to  the 
Mississippi  river,  which  De  Soto  himself  was  the  first  Euro- 
pean to  behold,  probably  at  the  lowest  Chickasaw  bluff  near 
the  thirty-fifth   parallel    of  latitude.     After  wintering  on  the 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  441 

Yet  immortality,  a  courted  prize — 
For  love  of  fame  had  spurred  his  enterprise, 
And  prowess  he  for  gold  and  glory  gave. 
Whate'er  his  faults  v^'e  can  but  deem  him  brave. 
De  Soto's  fate  a  warning  proved  to  Spain, 
Who  in  these  regions  saw  no  hope  of  gain  ; 
So  for  a  span  of  six  long  score  of  years 
No  Spaniard  followed  these  bold  pioneers, 
And  undisturbed  the  Mississippi  flowed, 
And  sang  alone  to  savage  ears  its  ode. 

But  now,  behold !  how  vastly  changed  the  scene. 
What  marvels  fill  the  gulf  that  lies  between  ! 
Columbia,  of  our  Western  World  the  queen, 
Gives  greeting  to  Columbus  from  her  throne — 
To  him  who  voyaged  to  the  great  unknown 
And   found   this   New   World,   now   so   great   and 

grand 
Which  proved  to  him  indeed  the  Promised  Land. 
Four  hundred  years  since  then  have  passed  away, 
And  mark  its  wonders,  far  and  wide,  to-day  ! 
Columbia  stands  a  monument  to  him. 
And  through  the  ages  naught  his  fame  can  dim. 
All  eyes  can  see  the  splendor  of  his  prize. 
All  tongues  unite  to  praise  his  great  emprise, 
And  celebrate  his  matchless  deed  of  yore, 
When  first  the  New  World  wooed  him  to  its  shore — 
The  grandest  venture  that  the  Sea  has  known. 

banks  of  the  river  Washita,  and  meeting  with  constant  dis- 
couragement, they  determined  to  follow  the  Mississippi 
toward  the  sea,  but  when  in  the  vicinity  of  Natchez  and  on 
May  21,  1542,  De  Soto  died,  and  the  body  of  the  discoverer 
was  wrapped  in  a  mantle  and  sunk  in  the  middle  of  the  great 
river.  Those  who  had  been  his  followers  then  built  boats 
and  escaped  down  the  Mississippi,  but  it  was  not  until  Sep- 
tember 10,  1543,  that  they  reached  the  river  Panuco — their 
numbers  reduced  to  311. 


442  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU. 

The  New  World  sings  his  praise  from  zone  to  zone, 
And  with  it  all  the  Old  World  nations  vie. 
Columbus,  like  Columbia,  ne'er  can  die. 
He  lives  immortal,  and  with  laurel  crowned — 
This  mighty  hero  who  the  New  World  found. 

Fain  would  I  still  pursue  my  splendid  theme, 
For  in  my  brain  a  thousand  fancies  teem, 
And  in  my  breast  impulsive  feelings  swell. 
Which  prompt  me  more  than  e'er  I've  told  to  tell, 
And  paint  the  Western  World's  superb  career 
To  this  the  Great  Republic's  latest  year. 
But  life  is  short,  my  poem  waxes  long. 
And  some,  mayhap,  will  weary  of  the  song. 
So  to  my  readers,  one  and  all,  adieu. 
With  hopes,  anon,  acquaintance  to  renew. 
'T  is  sad  to  part,  and,  parting,  say  farewell — 
A  word  whose  sound  is  solemn  as  a  knell — 
But  here  below  we  only  meet  to  part. 
And  sorrow  waits  on  joy  in  ev'ry  heart. 
Yet  I  would  fain  still  sing  Columbia's  praise. 
Who  now  Columbus  crowns  with  fadeless  bays, 
And  all  her  glory  and  her  grandeur  paint — 
Though  well  I  know  't  would  be  in  colors  faint ; — 
For  words  too  oft  our  feelings  fail  to  tell 
When  most  divine  our  thoughts  within  us  swell, 
And,  most  sublime,  on  Fancy's  wings  we  soar. 
Yes,  I  could  sing  her  praises  o'er  and  o'er 
With  tireless  zest — Columbia,  gracious  queen. 
The  fairest,  grandest  that  the  world  has  seen. 
In  her  Columbus  finds  his  greatest  fame — 
A  splendid  recognition  of  his  name ; 
And  as  she  greets  him  from  her  mighty  throne — 
Her  realm  as  great  as  e'er  the  world  has  known — 
She  grasps  his  hand  across  four  hundred  years. 
And  utters  plaudits  that,  perchance,  he  hears, 


THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU.  443 

While  o'er  her  waves  the  emblem  of  the  free 
That  tells  of  glory  great  on  land  and  sea. 
May  that  proud  banner  wave  eternally. 
Columbus  and  Columbia  hail  to  ye ! 
And  ever  may  Columbia  greater  grow — 
And  from  her  fountain  endless  blessings  flow — 
Till  all  the  New  World  rests  beneath  her  sway. 
All  hail  the  prospect  of  that  halcyon  day ! 
And  let  the  New  World  celebrate  each  year 
Columbus  Day,  *  and  hold  his  mem'ry  dear — 
All — North  and  South — America  as  one, 
With  Peace-winged  Progress  ever  speeding  on. 

*  Discovery  Day,  1492 — namely,  October  12,  old  calendar; 
or  October  21,  new  calendar. 


EXPLANATORY  NOTE. 


In  this  metrical  narrative  of  maritime  and  military 
exploration,  invasion,  and  adventure — this  panorama 
of  discovery,  conquest,  and  colonization — is  embraced 
the  history  of  the  New  World  for  the  first  fifty  years 
after  it  was  made  known  to  civilized  man  by  Colum- 
bus, by  the  end  of  which  time  Mexico  and  Peru  had 
been  conquered.  In  this  recital  is  embraced  every 
voyage  undertaken  from  the  Old  World  to  the  New, 
and  every  event  of  importance  that  transpired  in  the 
New  World,  during  that  eventful  time ;  while  the  ca- 
reers of  Balboa,  Cortez,  and  Pizarro,  as  well  as  those 
of  Alonzo  de  Ojeda  and  Ponce  de  Leon,  and  their 
principal  companions,  have  been  traced  in  detail. 
This  detail  may,  indeed,  be  considered  as  super- 
abundant as  the  traditional  old  woman  found  the 
Atlantic,  when,  on  the  occasion  of  an  unusually  high 
tide,  she  tried  to  sweep  it  back  with  a  broom  from 
the  vicinity  of  her  doorstep.     But  the  die  is  cast. 

When  I  made  historical  accuracy  an  indispensable 
condition  of  my  task,  I,  of  course,  knew  that  fact  and 
fancy  would  often  prove  as  antagonistic  as  oil  and 
water.  But  it  is  something  to  be  able  to  say,  that 
not  a  single  event  of  importance  in  the  history  of 
the  New  World,  within  the  period  named,  has  been 
omitted  from  the  narrative ;  although  verse  needs  to 


vi  EXPLANATORY  NOTE. 

be  something  more  than  a  budget  of  facts,  and  I  hope 
I  have  not  lost  sight  of  that  one  very  important  fact. 
To  the  works  of  Robertson,  Prescott,  Washington 
Irving,  and  others,  bearing  on  my  theme,  I  have 
made  constant  reference  for  the  facts,  as  well  as  to 
many  of  the  original  sources  of  information  from 
which  they  necessarily  drew  their  materials,  and  these 
I  have  collated  with  as  much  care  as  if  I  had  been 
writing  a  prose  history. 

It  was  my  original  intention  to  bring  this  metrical 
history  of  America  down  to  the  present  time,  in  the 
same  chronological  order  thus  far  observed,  and  this 
purpose  I  may  still  carry  out ;  although,  in  dealing 
with  events  subsequent  to  the  Conquest  of  Peru,  far 
greater  brevity  may  be  expected  than  marks  my  de- 
scriptions of  those  that  went  before  it.  The  history 
of  the  United  States  of  America  is  a  grand,  magnifi- 
cent and  suggestive  theme,  and  if  I  fail  to  prove  my- 
self equal  to  sketching  its  outlines,  and  filling  in  the 
picture,  in  fitting  verse,  it  will  not  be  for  want  of 
glowing  ardor  in  my  task.  But  I  remember  that  a 
certain  piece  of  advice,  once  given  to  those  about  to 
marry,  was  "Don't,"  and  perhaps  I  ought  to  apply 
the  same  advice  in  the  case  of  my  historic  muse,  and 
say  "Z>^«7"  in  soliloquy. 


Original  and  unique  in  American  Literature, 


of 


The  Story  of  the  New  World: 

A    Greeting    to    Columhus   and    Columbia^    and 

Historical  Narrative  of  the  Voyages 

and  Career  of  Columbus. 


A  National  and  patriotic  Poem  in  celebration  of  the 

Four  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  Discovery 

of  America,  with  copious  footnotes. 

By  KINAHU  GORNWiLLIS. 


12ino,    Cloth,  with  illustration,  stamped  cover,  and 
beveled  edges,  $1.00. 


Sold  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent  postpaid  by 

THE  DAILY  INYESTIGATOR, 

52  Broadway,  New  York. 
OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 


Let  it  be  clearly  understood  that  this  poem  is  thoroughly  clever, 
readable  and  enjoyable.  The  whole  is  in  strong  verse  having  the 
merit  of  historical  accuracy  in  every  particular.  The  poem  is  as 
large  as  Milton's  Paradise  Lost.  Ashe  is  well  known  as  the  author 
of  a  number  of  tales  and  sketches,  poems  of  travel  and  other  works, 
a  fashion  is  likely  to  set  in  to  follow  the  example  of  Mr.  Cornwallis 
in  this  large  epical  undertaking.  "  The  Song  of  America  and  Colum- 
bus "  will  no  doubt  prove  a  successful  volume  in  the  year  of  the 
"  World's  Fair.  "  Our  American  cousins  are  noted  for  great  under- 
takings. This  poem  has  to  be  included  among  them.  Let  us  hope 
Mr.  Cornwallis  may  be  encouraged  to  follow  up  this  edition  by  an 
illustrated  one.  There  is  an  inexhaustible  quarry  for  artists  in  this 
highly  interesting  poem.— ITie  Liverpool  Mercury,  Dec.  29, 1893. 


2  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

"  An  epic  poem,  having  for  its  fabric  all  that  pertains  to  the  inspir- 
ing subject,  "  The  Song  of  America  and  Columbus,"  presents  to  the 
extent  of  nearly  three  hundred  pages,  a  judicious  selection  from 
this  vast  wealth  of  all  that  is  most  picturesque  and  at  the  same 
time,  historically  most  important.  The  material,  possessing  in  itself 
the  elements  of  adventure,  scenic  beauty  and  patriotism,  here  loses 
nothing  by  being  rendered  into  verse.  The  poetry  is  very  good,  and 
its  value  is  enhanced,  by  historical  accuracy."— T7ie  Chautauquan 
for  January,  1893. 

"  It  is  doubly  welcome— First,  because  it  is  an  extremely  interest- 
ing story,  wi-itten  with  all  a  true  poet's  ardor  and  zeal,  and  clothed 
in  language  at  .once  beautiful  and  fgraphic.  Secondly,  it  gives  us  a 
complete  narrative,  in  a  pleasing  form,  of  the  life  and  adventures  of 
Columbus.  Mr.  Cornwallis'  Song  should  be  read  by  all  who  love  a 
charming  poem,  with  an  inspiring  and  interesting  subject,  set  forth 
in  the  sublime  and  impassioned  language  which  a  true  poet,  in  love 
with  his  subject,  alone  ^nows.'"— Boston  Republic. 

"It  has  in  it  some  very  good  lines,  showing  that  the  author  has 
some  rare  gifts  in  the  poetic  line.  The  book  is  worth  owning  and 
reading."— iVeto  York  Journal  of  Commerce. 

"  A  very  full  and  quite  accurate  history  of  Columbus'  life  and 
achievements  in  verse.  It  is  quite  an  agreeable  instance  of  an  editor 
of  a  financial  gazette  having  the  capacity  and  the  leisure  and  the 
happy  taste  and  turn  for  working  up  so  many  detailed  historical 
incidents  into  a  no  mean  epic,  and  we  could  earnestly  desire  that 
the  gifted  author  might  spend  a  full  energy  and  patience,  as  well  as 
his  undoubted  genius  upon  a  poem  that  should  come  to  stay.  All 
the  more  one  so  wishes  since  he  writes  with  such  an  evident  spontan- 
ity  and  joy  in  his  work  as  to  make  his  readers  personally  like  him. 
It  is  quite  marvelous  what  a  good  general  idea  one  gets  from  it  of 
the  great  discoverer's  life  and  work."— iVei«  York  Christian  Intel- 
ligencer. 

"  Rapidly  turning  the  pages  we  find  our  poet  in  the  full  tide  of 
inspired  description.  The  volume  closes  with  this  eloquent  apostrophe 
to  the  great  Admiral."— iVe?<;  Orleans  Times-Democrat. 

"  It  is  the  story  of  the  New  World  told  in  verse  of  much  merit.  It 
is  worthy  of  a  place  in  literature.  This  may  be  appreciated  from 
this  extract  containing  a  description  of  the  Hudson  River." — 
Brooklyn  Citizen. 

"  An  ambitious  work,  which  is  virtually  the  history  of  America  in 
the  age  of  discovery.  That  this  poetical  narrative  of  the  four  voy- 
ages of  Columbus  was  composed  out  of  pure  love  of  the  inspiring 
theme  is  shown  in  the  spontaneous  flow  of  verse  and  the  genuine 
enthusiasm  which  marks  the  entire  production.  The  writer's  use  of 
the  heroic  couplet  has  resulted  in  many  sublime  passages." — Phila- 
delphia North  American. 

'•  Of  course  it  could  not  be  exj)ected  in  a  poem  of  this  length,  and 
embracing  such  a  variety  of  subjects,  that  there  should  not  be  some 
inequalities;  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  whatever  else  the  author 
may  or  may  not  be,  as  a  novelist  or  financial  writer,  he  is  unques- 
tionably a  poet.  The  divine  afflatus  may  not  inspire  him  to  the  same 
extent  as  a  Homer,  a  Milton,  or  a  Longfellow,  but  it  is  there,  if  in  a 
lesser  degree,  and  the  brain  that  can  weave  line  upon  line  in  the 


OPINIONS  OP  THE  PRESS.  8 

manner  and  to  the  extent  we  have  here  is  not  of  the  common  order. 
The  book  is  very  handsomely  gotton  up,  and  will  be  valuable  as  a 
souvenir  of  a  memorable  event."— -S'an  FVancisco  Daily  Report. 

"Mr.  Cornwallis  is  a  fluent  and  ready  writer,  with  obviously 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  story  to  be  told.  His  versification  (s 
smooth  and  liiythmic,  and  his  verbal  fertility  remarkable.  It  can  bo 
said  for  it  that  it  is  graceful,  fluent  and  intelligent,  and  furnishes  a 
story  of  America  attractive  and  readable,  as  well  as  approximately 
correct.  It  is  decidedly  respectable  from  a  historic  point.of  view." 
—Chicago  Times. 

"Mr.  Cornwallis  has  shown  a  laudable  ambition,  and  he  possesses 
considerable  power  of  graphic  description  in  verse.  There  is  a  great 
deal  in  the  narrative  which  is  interesting  and  well  toXd.'"— Boston 
Congregationalist. 

"  As  an  epic  poem  the  book  is  worthy  of  praise,  and  the  lines  scan 
•welV— Mobile  Daily  Register. 

"  His  verse  is  spirited  throughout,  and  he  sometimes  coins  a  phrase 
of  striking  beauty  and  originality.  The  Song  is  full  of  high  patriot- 
ism, and  a  gloriously  optimistic  view  of  the  nation  and  the  race."— 
Detroit  Trilnine. 

"  Among  the  numerous  Columbus  volumes,  this  poem,  which  is 
indeed  an  epic,  is  entitled  to  special  mention.''— Boston  T)-aveller. 

''The  descriptive  portions  are  vividly  drawn.  The  Song  will  no 
doubt  be  read  with  admiration  and  instruction." — Hairisburg  Star- 
Jyidejjendent. 

' '  The  '  Song  of  America  and  Columbus '  is  sung  in  a  sturdy  volume 
of  verse.'''— Chicago  Evening  Post. 

"  The  first  part  of  the  book  presents  in  a  spirited  style  '  The  Song 
of  America  in  1892.'  The  verse  runs  in  entire  smoothness,  and  bears 
the  impress  of  sincerity  and  enthusiasm.  The  work  is  a  fitting 
tribute  to  Columbus  and  to  the  great  Republic."— C/i? cay o  Herald. 

"  We  know  more  than  one  financial  man  who  Is  a  poet.  The  pur- 
pose of  the  author  is  commendable,  and  we  have  read  poems  with 
far  less  merit  or  raison  d'etre.""— New  York  Observer. 

"The  lines  give  evidence  of  the  writer's  facility  in  versification, 
and  are  marked  by  much  picturesque  description.''— ^osf on  Golden 
Rule. 

"  The  verse  runs  with  entire  smoothness,  and  bears  the  impress  of 
sincerity  and  enthusiasm.  The  work  is  a  fitting  tribute  to  Columbus 
and  the  Great  Republic."— Bosf on  Home  Journal. 

"Mr.  Cornwallis'  description  of  the  tropical  luxuriance  which 
greeted  the  eyes  of  Columbus,  and  his  portrayal  of  the  simple  life  of 
the  natives  is  evidently  inspired  by  a  thorough  sympathy  with  his 
subject  and  with  the  beauties  of  nature.  His  work  will  doubtless 
receive  all  the  attention  which  he  hoped  for  it,  and  its  trifling  defects 
of  rhyme  and  rhythm  will  escape  notice  in  the  midst  of  so  much  that 
is  good."— Philadelphia  Evening  Item. 

"  We  may  concede  him,  beside  historical  accuracy,  a  very  smooth 
and  on  the  whole  ryhthmical  versification.     Where  the  historical 


4  OPINIONS   OF  THE  PRESS. 

method  is  not  too  closely  followed  It  rises  to  quite  a  poetic  height. 
Many  will  read  his  verses  witli  pleasure,  and  find  in  them  many 
beauties/'— iVeit;  Orleans  Ficayitne. 

*'  It  has  power  and  fire  and  vigor."— ^osion  Watchman. 

"The  scope  of  the  composition  is  vast,  for  this  volume  embraces 
descriptive  accounts  of  the  four  voyages  of  Columbus,  and  of  the 
precursors  of  his  great  discovery,  and  the  sequel  of  our  national 
history.  This  is  a  great  deal  to  be  compressed  within  the  limits  of  a 
narrative  poem,  but  the  writer's  enthusiasm  is  both  hearty  and 
sincere.  He  carries  his  readers  smoothly  over  the  centuries.  The 
distinction  of  '•  The  Song  "  is  that  it  accords  unique  importance  to 
the  industrial  grandeur  of  the  United  Stsites.'''— Philadelphia  Ledger. 

"It  is  full  of  enthusiasm,  and  has  some  striking  descriptive 
'poetry.''''— Philadelphia  Presbyterian  Journal. 

"  There  are  many  good  lines  in  our  poet  historian's  work.  He  is  a 
good-natured  singer,  and  certainly  does  not  lack  enthusiasm,  while 
the  encyclopedic  range  of  his  heroic  poem  demands  a  wide  view  of 
the  history  of  navigation,  of  the  annals  of  scientific  and  political 
progress,  and  especially  of  the  America  that  was.  that  is,  and  is  to 
be.  The  volume  {certainly  takes  the  reader  out  of  the  beaten  track 
of  literature,  and  it  may  act  as  an  antidote  to  an  unhealthy  tendency 
of  the  day  to  go  crazy  over  short  stories,  dwarfed  essays  and 
sketchy  work  in  general."— Po riband  (Me.)  Daily  Eastern  Argits. 

"  It  is  safe  to  say  that  this  laudable  purpose— historical  accuracy 
—has  been  achieved.  The  verse  is  mellifluous.  It  contains  more  of 
geographical  and  ethnological  information  than  most  text-books  in 
those  departments  of  knowledge.  Anybody  reading  the  catalogue 
of  aboriginal  tribes  is  instantly  reminded  of  the  enumei-ation  of 
ships  in  the  Iliad,  and  in  the  matter  of  cataloging,  Mr.  Cornwallis 
need  not  take  off  his  cap  to  Homer  or  any  other  bard.  Tlie  book  as 
a  whole  is  a  very  interesting  contribiition  to  Columbian  litera- 
ture."—J5«J7'«''<>  Courier. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  is  a  versatile  writer  and  with  a  rich  vocabulary, 
and  he  writes  rhythmic  verse." — Kansas  City  Times. 

"  It  is  a  wonderfully  fertile  and  fluent  body  of  rhyme.  Though  in 
conception  it  is  merely  a  greeting  to  Columbus  and  Columbia  in  one 
breath,  as  it  were,  it  expands  into  a  descriptive  narrative  of-  the 
voyages  and  career  of  Columbus,  not  neglecting  his  precursors  even, 
and  describes,  finally,  the  sequel  as  seen  in  the  United  States." — 
Brooklyn  Daily  Eagle. 

"  It  moves  along  in  a  spirited  way.  Very  few,  if  any,  of  the  salient 
points  of  our  great  country  have  escaped  being  apostrophised  by 
this  poet  before  he  sweeps  into  a  more  heroic  strain." — St.  Paul 
Globe. 

"  It  dea,ls  with  a  noble  theme  in  a'  dignified  and  serious  style."— 
Buffalo  Neivs. 

"  It  is  written  with  much  smoothness  and  careful  attention  in  the 
main  to  rhyme  and  rhythm.  The  volume  will  be  found  to  be  of  con- 
siderable interest."- C/itcti.gfo  Mail. 

"  He  certainly  ^rhymes  with  all  the  spirit  and  fervor  of  an  old- 
fashioned  patriot." — Philadelphia  Evening  Bulletin. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS.  5 

"  A  very  clever  poem.  It  is  the  story  of  the  New  World  very  read- 
ably put,  and  should  be  in  all  households.'"— Pittsburg  JPi-ess. 

"  It  reads  smoothly  and  easily.  The  writer  has  kept  close  to  the 
story,  and  is  at  no  loss  for  choice  language.  The  book  is  likely  to 
And  favor  in  the  eyes  of  the  reading  public.''— IHttsburg  Commer- 
cial Gazette. 

"There  is  much  in  the  book  to  entertain,  and  the  sentiment  will 
commend  it  to  the  patriotic.''''— Burlington  Hawk  Eye. 

"  It  is  true  to  historical  facts,  and  at  times  is  really  poetical."— 
Utica  Morning  Herald. 

"  It  would  seem  like  the  work  of  a  lifetime.  The  whole  is  at  least 
an  earnest,  laudable  aud  enthusiastic  effort  at  patriotism." — Neto 
Haven  News. 

*'  Incompatible  though  they  may  appear,  finance  and  poetry  some- 
times go  hand  in  hand.  Such  was  the  case  of  the  uanker-poet, 
Samuel  Rogers,  and  such  is  the  case  of  Mr.  Stedman.  A  third  illus- 
tration may  be  found  in  Kinahan  Cornwallis,  editor  of  the  Daily 
Investigator."— l?osto?i  Courier, 

"There  is  a  good  deal  of  information  and  study  in  this  volume, 
and  one  stands  aghast  at  the  labor  it  implies." — Hartford  Courant. 

"  The  narrative  is  given  in  attractive  style.  We  look  forward  with 
pleasurable  anticipations  to  the  continuation."— ^i6any  Times- 
Union. 

"  The  volume  is  well  worth  reading."- Ctnctnnaii  Enquirer. 

"  We  present  the  following  sample  of  its  general  merits,  interest 
in  which  is  enhanced  by  the  fact  that  few  of  us  know  how  many 
tribes  of  redmen  the  coming  of  Columbus  started  on  the  road  to 
extinction."— Troi/  Times. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  produced  a  poem  which  deserves  something 
better  than  a  passing  mention.  We  think  the  public  will  demand 
so  many  copies  of  this  bright,  cheery  and  instructive  poem  that  the 
author  'will  find  his  labor  of  love  a  good  investment."— iV^  Y.  Sunday 
Times. 

"An  exceedingly  ambitious  work.  Besides  an  invocation  to 
Columbus  it  gives  in  easy  verse,  chiefly  iambic  couplets,  the  entire 
history  of  Columbus  and  the  discovery.  The  alternate  theme  is 
naturally  the  World's  Fair  at  Chicago,  and  the  book  is  timely  and 
interesting."— iV.  Y.  Mail  and  Express. 

"  He,  in  his  preface,  is  more  severe  on  himself  than  most  critics 
will  be  on  his  work.  It  has  the  merit  of  heroic  endeavor  and  histori- 
cal accuracy.  To  this  we  might  add  a  freedom  from  any  effort  to 
make  the  verse  a  sacrifice  to  facts.  It  is  easy  reading,  and  will  no 
doubt  please  many.  We  give  the  following  extracts.''''— Cincinnati 
Christian  Standard. 

"  This  is  a  successful  attempt  to  put  into  verse  the  story  of  Colum- 
bus and  his  predecessors.  There  are  really  fine  stanzas  in  these 
pages,  some  of  which  we  wish  we  had  space  to  quote."— J?o«ton 
Zion's  Herald. 


6  OPINIONS   OF  THE   PRESS. 

"  The  .'picturesqueness  and  beauty  of  our  native  Indian  names  has 
often  been  pointed  out,  but  it  was  reserved  for  Mr.  Cornwallis  fully 
to  subdue  them  to  the  uses  of  poetry.  He  says:  '—Chicago  Evening 
Journal. 

"  The  author  justly  claims  for  this  work— a  poetic  narrative  of  the 
history  of  America— the  merit  of  historical  accuracy.  In  this 
volume  however,  we  get  only  one  dose  of  it,  and  it  is  not  an  unpleas- 
ant one.    We  give  a  few  specimens."— £os^c»?i  Morning  Star. 

"It  forms  an  instructive  and  entertaining  volume.'"— '^ Buffalo 
Enquirer. 

"  A  few  lines  will  give  some  indication  of  the  vivacity  and  felicity 
of  Mr.  Cornwallis's  manner.  Even  more  spirit  and  invention  is  dis- 
played where  he  enumerates  the  aboriginal  tribes.  Homer's  Cata- 
logue of  Ships  is  nothing  to  this  astounding  tour  de  force.'"— Boston 
Beacon. 

"There  are  some  glowing  pictorial  passages."— Godej/'s  Maga- 
zine. 

"  The  many  who  take  pleasure  in  reading  Columbus  literature,  and 
who  enjoy  poetry,  will  relish  this  story  of  the  great  navigator  in 
heroic  verse."— T/ie  Sxyringfield  (Mass.)  Daily  News. 

"  TheJ  narrative  itself  is  written  with  evident  care  for  historical 
accuracy:  the  diction  is  unaffected  and  respectable."— -Boston 
Literary  World. 

"  It  contains  many  evidences  of  poetic  skill."— Har//ord  Post. 

"Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis,  who  has  long  been  well  known  as  an 
able  and  enterprising  journalist,  and  is  also  the  author  of  novels 
that  have  had  a  fair  popularity,  has  come  out  in  a  new  role,  that  of 
poet.    The  theme  is  a  grand  one.''''— Montreal  Gazette. 

"  When  we  have  read  the  book  through,  we  are  ready  to  burst 
forth  in  the  same  spirit  and  sing,  '  O  Kinahan  Cornwallis,  not  even 
the  Great  Corliss  ever  got  up  so  much  steam  as  you  on  the  Colum- 
bian theme.'  " — The  Atlantic  Monthly. 

"  Other  praiseworthy  and  instructive  books  of  the  quarter  have 
been  *  *  and  '  The  Song  of  America  and  Columbus,  or  the 
Story  of  the  New  World,'  by  Kinahan  CornwaHis."— Owrreii*  His- 
tory, Detroit. 

"The  rhyming  is  accurate,  the  lines  are  fluent,  the  history  is 
orthodox,  and  the  whole  is  probably  as  readable  as  any  poem  of  278 
pages  could  hope  to  be." — New  York  Evening  Telegram. 

Of  "  A  Marvellous  Coincidence  "—A  strange  story  of  Adventure,  by 
the  same  author,  the  Philadelphia  Item  says—"  The  story  is  agree- 
ably and  pleasantly  told  and  diversified  with  plenty  of  action  and 
dialogue.  Despite  the  fact  that  the  marvellous  occupies  a  large  part 
in  the  plot  the  probabilities  are  all  along  fairly  well  maintained. 
The  plot  has  cei'tain  faults  which  however  do  not  in  any  degree  mar 
the  reader's  interest  in  the  work.  The  verdict  of  those  who  read  it 
will  be  that  it  is  a  tale  with  an  ingenious  plot,  worked  out  on  natural 
and  simple  lines  of  sensational  and  romantic  interest."  Mailed  free 
on  receipt  of  50  cents  by  the  Daily  Investigator.  Office  52  Broad- 
way New  York. 


WORKS  BY  KINAHAN  CORNWALLIS. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 


The  Song  of  America  and  Columbus ; 

OE, 

The  Story  of  the  New  World. 


••  One  of  the  most  interesting  contributions  to  the  great  mass  of  Co- 
lumbian literature  is  a  poem,  epic  in  length  as  well  as  in  some  of  its 
aims.  If  one  will  dip  into  the  poem  he  will  find  something  to  repay. 
He  will  find,  to  begin  with,  that  Mr.  Cornwallis  is  fully  conversant 
with  his  theme,  and  that  one  of  the  great  merits  of  the  composition 
is  historical  accuracy.  It  is  often  difficult  to  be  historically  accurate 
and  poetic  at  one  and  the  same  time,  but  this  stumblin-gblock  has 
been  very  cleverly  escaped  by  the  author,  although  he  persists  in 
bringing  out  the  facts.  The  yerse  is  for  the  most  part  iambic  penta- 
meter, and  it  flows  as  smoothly  as  any  that  Pope  ever  wrote.  The 
diction  is  of  the  best,  and  the  thought  is  often  striking.  Notice  these 
lines  in  an  apostrophe  to  Columbia.  Wherever  there  is  an  oppor- 
tunity for  the  manifestation  of  true  poetic  sentiment,  it  is  generally 
employed  to  good  advantage.  The  work  is  enthusiastic,  apprecia- 
tive and  patriotic,  and  is  well  worth  reading."— ITie  Evening  Dis- 
patch, Columbus,  Ohio,  Feb.  18,  1893. 

"  He  has  gone  out  of  the  beaten  track  and  treated  his  subject  in  an 
original  poetically  descriptive  manner.  The  work  is  large  and  com- 
prehensive, but  scarcely  deserves  the  author's  own  description  of  be- 
ing elephantine.  Coming  at  an  appropriate  time  when  America  is 
celebrating  the  quadro-centenary,  this  eflPort  should  do  much  towards 
quickening  the  undoubted  enthusiasm  which  this  exhibition  is  provok- 
ing, while  amongst  the  many  mementoes  that  will  be  sought  after,  the 
fact  of  a  national  poem  having  been  specially  published  should  leave 
little  difficulty  as  to  the  form  this  memento  should  take.  There  are 
some  fine  descriptive  passages,  especially  in  the  narrative  of  the  voy- 
ages. The  book  concludes  with  a  stately  ode  anent  the  Chicago 
event."— 27ie  Brighton  Gazette,  England,  Feb.  18,  1893. 

"  As  an  American  National  and  Patriotic  poem  it  has  no  peer,  and 
the  talented  author  can  well  feel  proud  of  his  brilliant  effort."— TTic 
Harrisburg  (Pa.)  Telegram. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  been  inspired  by  a  great  and  stirring  theme  : 
yet  has  not  only  realized  its  full  requirements,  but  has  endeavored  to 
rise  to  their  height  with  creditable  success."— T/ie  Leicester  Post, 
England,  Feb.  8,  1893. 

"  Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis  has  accomplished  a  gigantic  task  in  writ- 
ing  a  poetical  narrative  of  the  history  of  America.  This  is  an  attrac- 
tive way  of  reading  history.  That  he  has  made  it  interesting  is 
undoubted,  and  the  graphic  descriptions  of  the  beauties  of  the  vari- 
ous countries  are  very  vivid."— Sana's  Journal,  London,  Feb.  4, 1893. 

"  A  fine  production.  We  love  to  read  it.  Many  people  will  be  fas- 
cinated with  it;  and  we  feel  safe  in  saying  that  it  is  one  of  the  finest 
productions  the  great  event  has  brought  out."— Cincinnati  Western 
ChiHstian  Advocate,  Feb.  15, 1893. 


8  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

"  If  ever  a  stupendous  poetical  task  was  attempted  it  was  when 
Mr.  Cornwallis  began  his  poetical  narrative  of  the  history  of  America 
in  celebration  of  the  Discovery.  There  is  much  that  is  praiseworthy 
in  it.  There  is  a  certain  metrical  aptness  in  the  verse,  and  the  story 
is  told  concisely  as  well  as  rythmically.  One  admires  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis's  enthusiasm." — The  Portland,  (Me.,)  Transcript. 

"  With  a  theme  so  vast  and  attractive,  the  whole  cannot  fail  to  be 
interesting.  This  first  volume  promises  well.  To  undertake  such  a 
work  required  a  boldness  not  far  removed  in  kind  from  that  which 
led  the  great  discoverer  to  embark  upon  his  perilous  mission,  and 
one  would  naturally  expect  equal  boldness  of  treatment,  nor  are  these 
expectations  unrealized.  All  through  the  book  there  is  evidence  of 
considerable  dramatic  power.  Such  a  work,  made  melodious  by  a 
versifier  so  skilful,  forms  pleasant  and  instructive  reading." — The 
Ardrossan  Herald,  Scotland,  Feb.  24,  1893. 


Adrift  with  a  Vengeance. 

A  Tale  of  Love  and  Adventure. 


The  Chicago  Tribune  of  Jan.  16,  1871,  says:  "  In  the  weak,  wishy- 
washy,  everlasting  flood  of  novels  it  is  refreshing  to  get  a  really  good 
story  now  and  then,  and  such  is  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance,'  by  Mr. 
Kinahan  Cornwallis.  The  novel  is  in  reality  a  story  of  adventure, 
and  the  scene  therefore  constantly  shifts,  and  the  hero  is  led  through 
an  amazing  variety  of  adventures,  so  that  an  opportunity  is  afforded 
the  writer  for  his  descriptive  powers,  and  these  he  applies  with  no 
ordinary  ability  to  natural  scenery,  social  life,  and  manners  and  cus- 
toms in  almost  every  part  of  the  known  world.  The  pages  of  this 
novel  are  literally  crowded  with  pleasant  incidents,  told  in  a  very 
graphic  way,  which  has  the  unusual  merit  of  not  being  sensa- 
tional." 

The  Albany  Evening  Journal  of  Nov.  25,  1870,  says  of  "  Adrift 
with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  Although  this  is,  we  suppose,  a  novel,  it  could 
with  almost  equal  propriety  be  called  a  book  of  travels  or  of  adven- 
ture, for  it  takes  the  reader  all  over  the  world  by  sea  and  by  land, 
and  introduces  him  to  such  odd  places  and  to  such  droll  characters, 
and  everything  is  presented  so  vividly  and  so  graphically  that  it 
seems  more  like  a  true  story  than  a  work  of  fiction.  But  it  is  a  novel, 
and  one  of  the  very  best.  There  is  nothing  sophomoric  about  it,  for 
its  author  was  a  mature  thinker  long  before  he  took  up  his  pen  to 
write  'Adrift.'  " 

The  New  York  Evening  Post,  of  Nov.  5, 1870,  says:  "  Carleton's 
last  success  is  a  novel  entitled  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance,'  by  Mr. 
Kinahan  Cornwallis,  well  known  as  the  editor  of  the  New  York  ^?- 
bion.  The  scene  of  the  story  constantly  shifts  from  land  to  sea,  and 
by  turn  lies  in  all  the  continents  and  Oceanica,  and  the  hero  passes 
through  an  almost  infinite  variety  of  adventures  to  find  himself  at 
last  in  the  House  of  Lords.  The  work  abounds  in  vivid  descriptions 
of  natural  scenery  and  of  social  life,  at  one  time  horrifying  us  with  a 
bull-fight  at  Lima,  and  at  another  delighting  us  with  a  wedding  break- 
fast at  Delmonico's.  From  beginning  to  end  there  is  not  a  dull  page; 
the  incidents,  though  crowded,  are  not  out  of  the  range  of  probabil- 
ity, and  the  reader's  excitement  in  the  story  is  always  genuine  and 
never  morbid." 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS.  V 

The  New  York  Commercial  Advertiser,  of  Nov.  11,  1870,  says: 
"  The  story  is  well  told;  the  style  is  easy  and  natural,  and  the  reader 
is  interested  throughout.  The  writer  has  a  vivid  imagination  and  a 
graceful  pen," 

The  New  York  Evening  Express,  of  Nov.  12,  1870,  says  of  "  Adrift 
with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  This  tale  of  Love  and  Adventure  will  be  de- 
voured by  lovers  of  fiction,  for  its  marvellous  incidents  and  its  thrill- 
ing scenes,  which  although  given  in  a  style  that  approaches  the 
reaHstic  and  the  natural,  have  all  the  vivid  effects  produced  in  novels 
of  the  strictly  sensational  school.  We  cannot  analyze  the  story, 
which  combines  all  the  striking  incidents  of  travel  and  adventure, 
stereotyped  in  similar  productions,  but  reproduced  by  the  author 
with  admirable  skill  and  ingenuity,  in  comparatively  new  forms 
which  absorb  the  reader's  attention  until  the  close  of  the  volume. 
To  lovers  of  the  marvellous  and  the  exciting  we  can  safely  recommend 
the  work  as  one  that  will  satisfy  their  most  expectant  desires." 

The  New  York  Times,  of  Nov.  25,  1870,  says  of  "Adrift  with  a 
Vengeance:  "  "  Those  fond  of  scenes  of  thrilling  adventure  will  find 
in  this  romance  ample  matter  for  the  most  intense  interest.  The 
book  is  fraught  with  wonderful  escapes  and  records  of  peculiar  en- 
terprise, and  displays  a  remarkable  knowledge  of  the  varied  hunting 
episodes  of  strange  climes.  Parallel  with  the  romance  of  travel  and 
the  chase,  there  runs  the  narrative  of  the  course  of  true  love,  so  that 
those  to  whom  the  'sports  of  field  and  flood  '  fail  of  interest, will  find 
the  congenial  record  of  the  phases  of  the  tender  passion  amply  re- 
pay the  perusal  of  the  volume.  Altogether,  the  book  is  an  excellent 
type  of  the  popular  fiction  of  the  period." 

The  New  York  World,  of  Nov.  25,  1870,  says  of  "  Adrift  with  a 
Vengeance: "  "  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  undertaken  in  this  volume  the 
task  of  writing  a  sensational  novel  with  a  moderate  undercurrent  of 
sentiment,  in  which  the  adventures  are  numerous  and  exciting,  and 
the  love  incident  of  the  most  approved  character.  The  plot  is  fairly 
sustained,  and  would,  perhaps,  nave  been  stronger  had  it  been  told 
in  the  third  person ;  but  in  the  narration  of  adventures  this  is  am- 
ply compensated  for  by  the  vivacity  which  the  personal  relation  al- 
ways insures.  Although  strictly  to  be  classed  under  the  sensational 
school,  and  possessing  some  of  its  excellent  features  '  Adrift  with  a 
Vengeance'  is  nevertheless  free  from  the  woret  characteristics  of 
that  style." 

Frank  Leslie's  Illustrated  Neiospaper,  of  Dec.  10,  1870,  says  of 
"  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  Lively  in  style,  graphic  in  description, 
with  a  plot  somewhat  involved  but  well  worked  out,  indicating  the 
practised  hand  of  an  accomplished  man  of  the  world.  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis is  a  master  of  the  ways  of  society,  and  his  characters  are 
obviously  typical." 

The  New  York  Herald,  of  Dec.  25,  1870,  says:  "  One  of  the  best 
satires  on  the  sensational  novel  of  the  day  which  we  have  read  is 
'Adrift  with  a  Vengeance,'  written  by  Kinahan  Cornwallis.  The 
book  is  decidedly  rich,  and  ought  to  be  widely  read.  It  is  the  best 
thing  of  the  kind  published." 

The  New  York  Evening  Telegram,  of  Dec.  27, 1870,  says:  "  'Adrift 
with  a  Vengeance '  is  as  exciting  a  story  as  one  could  wish  to  read. 
*  ♦  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  written  a  very  readable  story.  He  writes 
in  an  agreeable  style." 


10  OPINIONS   OF  THE  PRESS. 

The  New  York  Citizen  and  Round  Table,  of  Nov.  26, 1870,  says  of 
"  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  Mr.  Cornwallis  is  favorably  known 
as  the  editor  of  the  Albion,  and  the  author  of  a  number  of  entertain- 
ing books.  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance  ""  is  his  latest  work.  It  is  a 
novel  which  was  published  as  a  serial  story  in  the  Albion,  and  was 
received  with  sufficient  favor  to  justify  its  republication  in  book 
form.  It  is  full  of  adventure  of  the  most  exciting  variety,  and  the 
hero,  after  passing  through  experiences  sufficiently  varied  to  sup- 
ply a  dozen  lives  with  interest  and  excitement,  finally  becomes  an 
English  Earl.  Mr.  Cornwallis  writes  fluently  and  with  much  vivac- 
ity, and  his  latest  story  will  be  sure  of  a  large  circle  of  interested 
readers." 

The  New  York  Evening  Free  Press,  of  Nov.  28, 1870,  says  of  "  Adrift 
with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  Kinahan  Cornwallis  is  a  famihar  name  in 
journalism,  and  promises  to  become  as  familiar  in  literature. 
'  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance  '  is,  in  fact,  a  novel  of  the  English  stand- 
ard for  cleverness.  The  author  has  adopted  that  autobiographical 
naivete  of  narration,  which  made  '  David  Copperfield '  and  '  Alton 
Locke '  so  famous  in  their  day,  but  which  has  since  been  worn  thread- 
bare with  reiteration.  In  its  use— that  is,  in  writing  in  the  first  person 
—an  author  produces  a  book  either  intensely  stupid  and  egotistic,  or 
intensely  interesting;  and  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  succeeded  in  giving  his 
new  novel  the  quality  of  intensity  in  the  latter  direction.  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis must  be  complimented,  therefore,  for  having  done  successfully 
that  which  can  be  done  only  by  a  master.  The  general  ensemble 
of  the  story  is  '  David  Copperfield '  over  again.  The  author  of 
*  Adrift '  has  in  him  the  elements  of  a  master  novelist,  and  has  only 
to  develop  them— to  express  himself.  There  is  need  enough,  me- 
hercule,  of  a  great  master  of  fiction  in  this  country.  '  Adrift  with  a 
Vengeance '  is  exceedingly  graphic  in  description  and  bold  in  inven- 
tion—is, in  a  worS,  finely  imaginative  in  passages,  and  abounds  in 
the  picturesque,  graceful  and  insouciant  ease  of  the  true  literary  ar- 
tist.   The  volume  is  the  hit  of  the  season." 

The  Scottish  American,  of  Dec.  1,  1870,  says  of  "  Adrift  with  a 
Vengeance  :"  "  This  is  a  tale  that  we  have  but  to  commence  read- 
ing to  make  sure  that  we  will  get  to  the  end  of  it." 

The  New  York  Scientific  American,  of  Dec.  3, 1870,  says:  "  Kinahan 
Cornwallis,  the  accomplished  editor  of  the  Albion,  has  given  us  in 
this  volume  a  very  graphic  and  entertaining  story,  which  combines 
incidents  of  social  life,  travel  and  adventure  in  a  most  thrilling  and 
interested  manner.  We  can  cordially  commend  this  book  as  one  well 
suited  to  enliven  the  family  circle  on  the  dull  Winter  evenings." 

The  New  York  Star,  of  Nov.  7, 1870,  says  of  "  Adrift  with  a  Ven- 
geance:" "The  versatile  author  of  this  admirably-conceived  and 
very  entertaining  story  is  well  known  as  a  journalist  of  many  years' 
standing.  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance '  is  the  story  of  a  youngster, 
Washington  Edmonds,  told  in  the  first  person  much  in  the  style  of 
'David  Copperfield.'  He  passes  through  about  as  many  trials  and 
tribulations  as  that  eminent  worthy.  The  interest  is  maintained  to 
the  end,  the  dialogue  is  easy  and  natural,  and  the  whole  book  shows 
itself  to  be  the  work  of  a  highly  imaginative  mind,  and  an  easy, 
graceful  writer.' 

The  New  York  Home  Journal,  at  Oct.  12, 1870,  says  of  "  Adrift  with 
a  Vengeance:"  "From  a  hasty  look  at  the  advance  sheets  of  the 
work,  we  find  them  rich,  not  only  in  promise,  but  in  performance, 
that  should  give  Mr.  Cornwallis  assurance,  as  they  undoubtedly  will 


OPINIONS   OF  THE   PRESS.  11 

his  readers,  that  he  has  not  mistaken  his  vocation.  Its  pages  are 
crowded  with  incident  and  adventure  and  '  hairbreadth  'scapes '  in 
South  Africa,  AustraUa,  and  upon  the  treacherous  deep,  enough  to 
furnish  forth  many  such  volumes." 

The  Philadelphia  North  America,  of  Dec.  8,  1870,  says  of  "Adrift 
with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  He  (the  author)  here  tells  a  vivid  story  of  Eng- 
lish and  American  life  in  an  agreeable  manner  that  will  be  read  with 
interest.  *  *  There  is  genuine  and  unflagging  interest  from  first  to 
last." 

The  New  Orleans  Picayune,  of  Dec.  3,  1870,  says:  "  '  Adrift  with 
a  Vengeance '  is  a  fiction  of  varied  interest,  abounding  with  adven- 
ture and  striking  descriptions  of  scenery,  character  and  social  life. 
It  is  crowded  with  incident." 

The  Chicago  Times  says:  "  The  author  has  given  us  in  this  book 
an  average  of  one  thrilling  episode  for  every  three  pages.  This  will 
constitute  the  story  an  invaluable  work  of  reference  for  all  compil- 
ers of  attenuated  serials  in  the  weekly  family  papers,  as  they  can 
find  enough  material  in  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance  '  to  set  them  up  in 
business  for  the  next  dozen  years.  The  author  is  a  veteran  writer, 
and  all  of  his  works  have  been  characterized  by  the  same  oddity  of 
title  and  spirit  of  contents  that  characterizes  '  Adrift  with  a  Ven- 
geance.' " 

The  Detroit  Free  Press  says  of  "  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  The 
story,  though  leaning  somewhat  toward  the  '  Robinson  Crusoe '  and 
'  Masterman  Ready  '  style  of  literature,  is  a  hvely  and  entertaining 
one,  filled  from  title  to  finis  with  the  most  varied  of  adventures." 

The  Philadelphia  Telegraph  says:  "  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance.'  by 
Kinahan  Cornwallis,  from  the  press  of  Carleton,  is  a  story  of  ad- 
venture which  contains  many  exciting  incidents  and  some  highly 
graphic  descriptions  of  scener.y  and  life  in  all  parts  of  the  world.  Mr. 
Cornwallis,  who  is  well  known  as  the  editor  of  the  New  York  Albion, 
is  an  able  writer,  and  in  '  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance '  he  has  produced 
a  very  interesting  story  that  is  full  of  life  and  animation  from  first 
to  last." 

The  Boston  Evening  Transcript  says:  "Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis  has, 
in  'Adrift  with  a  Vengeance,'  given  us  an  animated  adventurous 
tale,  full  of  exciting  scenes  on  land  and  sea,  shifting  from  mid-ocean 
to  Delmonico's,  and  from  Lima  to  the  House  of  Lords.  Extraordi- 
nary but  not  imi>ossible,  eventful  but  not  hyperbolical,  the  interest 
of  the  tale  never  flags,  and  it  is  full  of  graphic  force  and  personal 
zest." 

The  Brooklyn  Eagle  says  of  "  Adrift  with  a  Vengeance:  "  "  There 
is  abundance  of  lively  incident— fights  with  wild  beasts  and  wild  men, 
shipwrecks,  bull-fights,  perilous  journeys,  narrow  escapes,  much 
hardship  of  all  sorts— and  the  characters  of  the  romance  are  £is  diver- 
sified as  the  events  described." 

The  Philadelphia  Press,  of  Nov.  26,  1870,  says:  "Mr.  Cornwallis 
has  produced  in  '  Adrift  with  a',Vengeance  '  a  story  full  of  action  and 
variety,  with  many  changes  of  scene  and  many  phases  of  society." 

The  Cincinnati  Times  says  of  "Adrift  with  a  Vengeance:"  "The 
work  abounds  in  vivid  descriptions  of  natural  scenery  and  domestic 
life,  and  the  incidents  are  sufficiently  startling  to  enchain  the  reader's 
attention  to  the  close." 


12  OPINIONS  OF  THE   PRESS. 

The  Cincinnati  Chronicle,  of  Dec.  9,  1870,  says  of  "  Adrift  with  a 
Vengeance:"  "Crowded  with  incidents,  and  as  full  of  exciting  ad- 
venture as  the  most  exacting  reader  could  demand.  This  story  by 
turns  amuses,  horrifies  and  interests  us.  The  life  of  the  hero  is  a 
checkered  one,  and  his  experience  is  sufficiently  varied  to  keep  up  a 
constant  interest  in  his  descriptions  of  the  phases  of  social  life 
through  which  he  passes.    There  are  few  dull  pages  in  this  volume." 

The  Troy  Times  says:  "  The  style  is  graphic,  and  the  plot,  which  is 
natural,  evinces  considerable  ingenuity.  Those  who  enjoy  fiction 
will  be  likely  to  read  this  book  through  if  they  begin  its  perusal." 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  given  the  public  in  this  work  a  novel  of  more 
than  ordinary  interest.  The  plot  is  fresh  and  vigorous,  and  with  love 
or  adventure,  or  both,  delightfully  commingled,  every  page  is  made 
attractive.  It  takes  in,  and  most  entrancingly  too,  everything  from 
a  bull-fight  at  Lima  to  a  wedding  breakfast  at  Delmonico's.  The 
novel  will  make  a  hit."— T/te  St.  Louis  Democrat. 

"  Those  who  are  fond  of  dare-devil  adventures,  hair-breadth  escapes, 
and  a  touching  description  of  man's  constancy  and  devotion  and 
woman's  love  and  fidelity,  will  read  this  volume  with  emotions  of 
unmixed  pleasure.  There  is  nothing  dull  or  unintei'esting  from  the 
first  to  the  last  page.  There  are  many  passages  descriptive  of  scenery 
and  places  which  rise  into  the  regions  of  both  the  gx'and  and  the 
beautiful."— Sa?i  Francisco  Pioneer. 

"  The  book  contains  many  glowing  descriptions  of  life  and  manners 
in  the  countries  visited  by  the  hero,  and  will  gratify  the  most  insa- 
tiate appetite  for  adventure."— -iVigw  York  Tribune. 

"Mr.  Cornwallis  is  fertile  in  imagination,  and  the  multitude  of 
incidents  in  his  story  sustains  the  reader's  excitement  and  interest 
from  the  commencement  to  the  happy  conclusion."— T/ie  Providence 
(R.  I.)  Telegraph. 


Pilgrims  of  Fashion. 

Cloth,  $1.    Published  by  Harper  &  Bros. 


*'  His  Bull  Run  battle-piece  is  well  executed.  The  whole  work  is 
good,  and  cannot  fail  to  please  numerous  readers.  "-Boston  Even- 
ing Traveller. 

"  This  is  a  well-written  novel.""— Cincinnati  Enquirer. 

"It  is  a  continued  series  of  healthy  observations  upon  the  reck- 
lessness and  needless  extravagance  of  society.  The  plot  is  well  ar- 
ranged and  handsomely  carried  out,  and  the  reader  can  while  away 
an  hour  in  the  perusal  of  the  book  with  jproRt.'"— Portland  Adver- 
tiser. 

"It  is  animatedly  written."— JSosfon  Evening  Gazette. 

"  '  Pilgrims  of  Fashion  '  contains  many  well-directed  blows  at  the 
worshippers  at  Fashion's  shrine.  The  plot  is  excellent,  and  is  well 
carried  out  to  the  end.''— New  York  Express. 

"  The  work  is  powerfully  and  graphically  written.^'— PhiladelpJiia 
Press. 

"A  work  of  an  uncommon  order,  and  remarkable  for  its  originality 
and  freshness."— /So7em  Register. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS.  I'l 

'*  Unless  we  are  greatly  mistaken  this  work  is  destined  to  create  a 
sensation  in  the  literary  world.  It  is  artistically  constructed;  the 
style  is  pure  and  scholarly ;  the  moral  is  healthful.  It  abounds  in 
vivid  descriptions  of  nature  and  life,  and  the  interest  never  tla&rs 
from  the  opening  to  the  closing  chapter."— 27ie  Albany,  (N.  Y.) 
Evening  Journal,  January  31,  180^. 

•'  The  characters  of  his  story  are  artistically  delineated,  and  the 
descriptions  are  remarkably  fine.  The  style  of  the  work  is  pure 
and  refined,  and  the  language  is  classically  English.  We  congratu- 
late Mr.  Cornwallis  on  his  first  American  novel,  and  hope  to  hear 
from  him  again  in  the  same  Aeld.""— Frank  Leslies'  Illustrated  News- 
paper, Feb.  15,  1862. 

"  Pilgrims  of  Fashion  is  a  very  well  told  and  intensely  interesting 
story  of  both  hemispheres  dedicated  to  the  author's  friend  Charles 
Reade,  who  brought  out  the  London  edition  of  the  work  for  him 
through  his  own  publishers,  Trubner  &  Co.,  just  as  Mr.  Cornwallis 
brought  out  for  Mr.  Reade  the  first  American  edition  of  "  The  Clois- 
ter and  the  Hearth,"  through  Rudd  &  Carleton  of  New  York,  from 
advance  sheets  mailed  to  him.  It  is  full  of  graphic  and  picturesque 
descriptions  and  dramatic  scenes."— T/w  New  York  Herald. 


Royalty  in  the  New  World; 

OR, 

The  Prince  of  Wales  in  America. 

With  steel  Engi-aved  Portrait  of  the  Prince. 

Being  a  Summer  Tour  through  the  British  Provinces  and  the  United 

States,  in  1860.    1  vol.,  75  cents. 


From  the  Neio  York  Herald. 

"  QuKKN  Victoria  and  Royalty  in  the  New  World— Among  the 
pleasant  souvenirs  of  the  visit  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  to  this  countiy 
we  may  include  the  following  letter  from  Queen  Victoria,  through 
her  Secretary,  Sir  Charles  Phipps,  C.  B.,  Keeper  of  her  Majesty's 
Privy  Puree,  to  Mr;  Kinahan  Cornwallis,  who,as  correspondent  of  this 
journal  traveled  with  the  royal  party  throughout  their  tour  on  this 
continent.  In  accepting  and  thanking  him  so  gracefully  for  the 
copy  of  his  book  relating  to  her  son's  travels,  the  Queen  has  paid  no 
common  compliment,  for  it  is  well  known  that  it  is  contrary  to  the 
usual  custom  for  her  to  receive  gifts  of  any  kind,  either  from  her 
own  subjects  or  foreign  citizens.  The  exception  to  the  rule  in  this 
case  shows  that  an  impartial  narrative  and  reliable  history,  coming 
from  an  American  source,  of  the  events  of  the  Prince's  progress 
through  this  country,  has  been  properly  appreciated  by  those  most 
intimately  interested.  We  need  only  say,  in  comment,  that '  Royalty 
in  the  New  World '  is  worthy  to  fill  the  niche  so  wilUngly  assigned  it 
in  the  royal  library." 

"  Windsor  Castile,  Jan.  19,  1861. 

"  Sir:  It  was  only  yesterday  that  I  received  your  letter  of  the  30th 
of  November,  accompanying  a  copy  of  your  work,  entitled  '  Royalty 
in  the  New  World,  or.  The  Prince  of  Wales  in  America  '  destined  for 
her  Majesty  the  Queen.    I  lost  no  time  in  presenting  your  work  to 


14  OPINIONS   OF   THE  PEESS. 

the  Queen,  and  it  was  very  graciously  accepted  by  her  Majesty.  I 
have  received  the  Queen's  commands  to  thank  you  in  her  name  for 
your  attention.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  your  most  obedient, 
humble  servant,  C.  B.  PHIPPS. 

"  KiNAHAN  CORNWALLIS,  ESQ." 

*'  The  following  letter  from  Maj.  General  Bruce,  the  governor  of 
the  Prince  of  Wales,  conveys  a  merited  tribute  to  the  accuracy  of 
the  book." 

"  Madingley  Hall,  Cambridge,  Jan.  20, 1861. 

"  Dear  Sir:  I  only  received  two  days  ago  your  letter  of  the  30th 
of  November  last,  together  with  two  copies  of  your  work  entitled 
'  Royalty  in  the  New  World  '  and  am  directed  to  convey  to  you  the 
Prince  of  Wales's  thanks  for  the  one  which  you  forward  for  his ' 
Royal  Highness's  acceptance.  1  am  extremely  obliged  to  you  for  the 
other,  which  you  kindly  present  to  me.  You  have  evidently  striven 
to  give  a  faithful  narrative  of  his  Royal  Highness's  progress,  and  of 
the  gratifying  reception  which  he  met  with,  both  in  the  British  Prov- 
inces and  in  the  United  States  of  America.  I  am,  dear  Sir,  your  obe- 
dient servant,  R.  BRUCE. 

"  KiNAHAN  CORNWALLIS,  Esq." 

From  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  The  Cabinet  Minister  in  charge  of 
the  Prince  :~ 

"  London,  Feb'y  8, 1861. 

"  Dear  Sir:  Pray  accept  my  thanks  for  a  beautifully  bound  copy  of 
your  new  book  '  Royalty  in  the  New  World.'  My  very  pressing  en- 
gagements since  I  received  it  have  hitherto  prevented  my  reading  it, 
but  I  hope  to  do  so  before  long.  Let  me  assure  you,  and  those  with 
whom  you  are  associated,  how  anxiously  we  all  desire  in  this  coun- 
try to  see  a  happy  termination  to  the  troubles  which  are  now  afflict- 
ing the  United  States.  The  accounts  from  thence  are  watched  with 
an  intensity  of  interest  scarcely  less  than  that  which  three  years  ago 
attached  to  every  mail  from  India.    I  am,  dear  Sir,  yours  very  truly 

"  NEWCASTLE." 

"Mr.  Cornwallis  has  embodied  a  complete  history  of  the  royal 
visit  in  an  exceedingly  interesting  book  of  travel,  which  the  public, 
we  are  sure,  will  peruse  with  much  pleasure  and  profit.  As  an  eye- 
witness of  the  events  which  he  records,  his  descriptions,  which,  for 
graphic  simplicity  and  vigor  could  not  be  surpassed,  have  a  peculiar 
value,  and  there  is  a  consequent  freshness  imparted  to  his  writings, 
which  otherwise  would  be  hardly  attainable.  We  have  here,  in  the 
handsome  volume  before  us,  not  only  a  panorama  of  the  tour,  but 
pictorial  glimpses  of  the  history  and  present  state  of  the  country 
through  which  he  passed.  We  here  meet  with  much  that  is  new,  and 
muchthat  is  both  instructive  and  amusing,  and,  in  turning  over  the 
pages,  we  have  been  hurried  from  grave  to  gay,  from  lively  to  severe, 
with  a  rapidity  worthy  of  the  best  of  novels;  yet,  we  have  noticed 
throughout,  the  strictest  adherence  to  the  facts,  and  the  most  well- 
weighed  words  in  everything  upon  which  an  opinion  is  pronounced. 
i2very  page  might  be  quoted  with  advantage  to  the  author.  But  we 
have  said  enough  to  induce  our  readers  to  get  the  work,  and  judge 
for  themselves."'— iVistu  York  Herald,  Dec.  9,  1860. 

"  Last  week,  the  Critic^  our  leading  literary  paper,  gave  a  long, 
discriminating,  analytical  criticism  of  the  '  Tour  of  the  Prince  of 
Wales  in  America,'  by  Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis.  and  gave  it  very 
high  praise  as  a  most  graphic,  sensible  narrative."— Extract  from 
the  London  Correspondence  of  the  Neiv  York  Herald,  April  3,  1861. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PBESS.  15 

A  Panorama  of  the  New  World. 

Being  Travels  in  Australia  and  South  and  North  America. 
In  Two  Volumes. 


"  Mr.  Comwallis  is  a  pleasant  traveller,  enthusiastic,  perseveringr, 
and  overflowing  with  good  spirits.  His  former  works  have  already 
taught  us  to  appreciate  his  perfect  fitness  for  the  particular  walk  of 
literature  which  he  has  adopted;  nor  will  the  present  work  diminish 
his  popularity.  A  quick  and  discriminating  eye,  rapid  powers  of 
combination,  a  true  feeling  for  nature,  and  a  wholesome  large- 
hearted  sympathy  with  his  fellow-men,  are  his  leading  characteris- 
tics; and  before  we  have  read  through  fifty  pages  of  his  book,  we 
claim  him  as  a  friend,  and  wander  on  with  perfect  confidence  in  our 
guide,  wherever  he  may  see  fit  to  lead  us.  The  Panorama  is  the  re- 
sult of  three  years  of  travel,  and  the  variety  of  scenes  which  it  de- 
picts, is  consequently  very  great;  nor  do  we  think  we  can  do  Mr. 
Comwallis  better  justice,  than  by  transferring  two  or  three  of  these 
to  our  own  colunms.  We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Comwallis  for  many 
agreeable  hours.  We  have  met  with  few  descriptions  more  graphic 
than  our  lively  author's  picture  of  a  first  night  at  Melbourne.  But 
we  are  exceeding  our  limits,  and  reluctantly  take  leave  of  Mr. 
Comwallis,  with  a  couple  of  anecdotes  illustrative  of  Yankee  deli- 
cacy."— Literary  Gazette,  London,  July  23,  1859. 

"A  book  that  will  be  read;  for  it' is  fresh  and  sparkling,  lively, 
true,  and  original."— A/orningr  Herald,  London,  June  7,  1859. 

"  Nothing  can  be  more  spirited,  graphic,  and  full  of  interest, 
nothing  more  pictorial,  or  brilliant  in  its  execution.  It  is  all  life  and 
animation;  full  of  humor  and  amusement.  The  poet  combines  with 
the  wit  and  judgment  of  the  cosmopolitan  to  produce  a  perfect  and 
in  every  way  attractive  picture." — The  Globe,  London. 

"  None,  perhaps,  have  succeeded  in  making  their  descriptions  so 
graphic  and  amusing."— T7ie  Morning  Chronicle,  London. 

"  His  account  of  the  Spanish  settlements  of  Valparaiso,  Pisco, 
Lima,  and  Panama,  are  the  most  entertaining,  because  the  freshest, 
portions  of  this  '  Panorama  of  the  New  World,'  and  shows  how 
readily  an  author  may  amuse  and  instruct  us,  when  he  adds  to  the 
stock  of  knowledge."— T/ie  Atlas,  London,  June  4,  1859. 

"  We  can  give  a  ready  welcome  to  Mr.  Comwallis's  books.  There 
is  honesty  of  good  humor  about  the  proprietor  of  this  new  Pano- 
rama, while  there  is  in  his  boisterous  talk  really  much  useful  infor- 
mation. Many  travellers  have  visited  and  written  about  Australia,  but 
Pern  and  Panama,  through  which  Mr.  Comwallis  returned  leisurely 
to  England,  afforded  somewhat  newer  ground.  This  part  of  the 
Panorama,  therefore,  is  particularly  full  of  interesting  sketches. 
Of  a  bull-fight,  far  exceedmg  in  cmelty  the  crudest  of  Spain,  these 
volumes  contain  a  long  and  animated  description." — The  Examiner, 
London,  June  4,  1859. 

"  The  work  is  replete  with  interest,  and  contains  information  on 
every  subject  connected  with  the  countries  of  which  it  treats.  .  .  .  The 
volumes  before  us  demand  a  detailed  critique,  for  the  author  has 
evidently  bestowed  the  greatest  amount  of  attention  upon  them; 
and  the  result  is  the  production  of  one  of  the  most  amusing  books  of 
travels  ever  written,  equal,  in  many  respects,  to  '  Eothen '  and  '  The 


16  OPINIONS   OF  THE  PRESS. 

Crescent  and  the  Cross.'  Having  ourselves  travelled  through  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  we  can  vouch  for  the  accuracy  of  the 
description  of  those  countries,  their  scenery,  inhabitants,  and  man- 
ners. ...  In  taking  leave  of  Mr.  Cornwallis,  we  can  only  express 
our  hope  that,  ere  long,  we  shall  be  called  upon  to  notice  other 
productions  from  his  talented  pen.  Few  authors  combine  so  much 
amusement  and  instruction.  We  can  honestly  recommend  the 
'Panorama  of  the  New  World'  to  all,  classes  of  readers."— 2*^.6 
Review,  London,  June  7,  1859. 

"  He  is  a  lively,  rattling  writer.  His  descriptions  are  never  dull. 
The  sketches  of  Peruvian  life  and  manners  are  fresh,  racy,  and 
vigorous.  The  volumes  abound  with  amusing  anecdotes  and  con- 
versations."—27ie  Weekly  Mail,  London,  June  12,  1859. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  seems  resolved  that  the  public,  who  have  received 
his  former  productions  with  favor,  should  not  forget  him.  He  now 
publishes  the  narrative  of  the  events  connected  with  nearly  three 
years'  travels  in  the  West;  his  first  volume  being  dedicated  to 
Australia,  his  second  to  Valparaiso,  Callao,  Lima,  Panama,  Toboga, 
Jamaica,  New  York,  Cincinnati,  Detroit,  Buffalo,  the  Falls  of 
Niagara,  Albany,  Philadelphia,  Washington,  Baltimore,  by  New  York 
to  Boston,  and  from  thence  to  the  banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
Montreal,  and  Quebec— a  goodly  line  of  travel;  and  of  most  of  those 
places  we  have  accounts,  more  or  less  diffuse,  written  in  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis's  lively  and  amusing  style,  with  occasional  glimpses  of  places 
on  the  route.  .  .  .  He  (the  author)  has  produced  works,  from  which 
the  public  derive  both  information  and  amusement.  We  ought  to 
be  glad  of  the  chance  which  has  procured  us  such  a  mental  pabulum, 
and  .wish  for  a  renewal  of  the  pleasure  which  the  graphic  description 
of  strange  scenes,  strange  people,  and  strange  events  must  always 
give  rise  to.  We  could  make  many  more  amusing  extracts;  our 
limits  will  only  allow  us  to  select  the  'following  passage,  and  we 
assure  our  readers  they  will  not  regret  it,  if  the  specimens  we  give 
should  induce  them  to  procure  this  work.''''— Naval  and  Military 
Gazette,  London,  June  18,  1859. 

*'  Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis  is  already  known  as  the  author  of  some 
amusing  books  of  travels,  and  his  '  Panorama  of  the  New  World  '  is 
behind  none  of  its  predecessors  in  sketching  picturesqueness  and 
graphic  interest.  In  the  first  volume,  decidedly  the  most  attractive 
part  is  that  in  which  the  peculiarities  of  colonial  life  are  hit  off  with 
life-like  reality.  Life  and  the  mode  of  trade  in  Melbourne,  the 
mysteries  of  '  old-chummism '  and  '  new-chummism'  life  at  the 
diggings,  bush-ranging,  hunting  kangaroos,  and  all  the  other  fea- 
tures of  Australian  life,  are  hit  off  with  a  life-like  reality.  Perhaps 
the  '  diggings  '  themselves  were  never  better  described,  than  in  the 
pages  which  Mr.  Cornwallis  devotes  to  them  at  Bendigo.  Here  is 
the  daily  routine  of  a  digger's  life  dashed  off  in  a  few  strokes." 
—The  Critic,  London,  June  18,  1859. 

"Readers  will  be  pleased  with  his  lively,  careless  style,  and 
amused  with  his  anecdotes  illustrative  of  society  in  Australia.  .  .  . 
The  description  of  the  bull-fight  at  Lima  is  especially  good— perhaps 
one  of  the  best  we  have  ever  seen — but,  unfortunately,  far  too  long 
to  extract."— T/ie  Press,  London. 

•'  He  has  the  faculty  of  'describing,  in  a  very  agreeable  and  read- 
able way,  the  scenes  and  people  he  mingled  with  or  passed  through. 
There  are  episodes  of  colonial  adventure,  which  are  narrated  with  a 
picturesque  simpUcity  and  vigor  not  surpassed  by  [Charles  Reade. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PKE8S.  17 

He  is  a  shrewd  observer,  and  communicates  his  observations  with 
freshness  and  perspicuity."— T/ie  Tablet,  London,  AngustC,  1859. 

"  The  author  of  these  volumes  is  already  favorably  known  as  one 
of  those  *  wandering  Englishmen,'  who  has  the  faculty  of  describing 
agreeably  what  he  sees  and  hears  in  his  journeyings  over  the  world. 
The  travels  of  Mr.  Cornwallis  have  been  decidedly  extended,  and 
have  been  previously  recorded  in  works  of  great  merit.  His  present 
contribution  to  the  literature  of  movement,  comprises  visits  to 
Australia  and  South  America,  and  his  adventures,  if  not  startling, 
form  quite  a  sufficient  basis  for  the  story  he  has  to  tell,  which  he 
tells  easily,  frankly,  and  pleasantly.  The  book  will  repay  perusal, 
and  has  an  air  of  freshness  about  it." — I'he  London  Illustrated 
News,  July  15,  1859. 

"  As  a  traveller,  the  author  is  well  known  to  the  reading  public.  .  . 
.  .  Viewed  either  as  a  book  of  amusement,  or  a  work  of  informa- 
tion, it  will  be  an  acceptable  addition  to  the  utile  et  dulce  class  of 
literature,  which  gives  in  a  free  and  easy  style,  bold  sketches  of  the 
striking  things  incidental  to  extensive  travel.  '  Hie  et  tibique,''  ought 
to  be  the  molto  of  the  accomplished  writer  of  '  The  Panorama  of 
the  New  World,'  which  we  have  great  pleasure  in  recommending  to 
our  readers."— 37i€  Sunday  Times,  London,  July  3,  1859. 

* '  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  been  a  great  traveller,  and  dashes  off  impres- 
sions of  the  countries  he  has  visited  in  a  gay  rattling  manner.  He  is 
a  gay  observer  of  manners,  with  a  quick  eye  for  the  picturesque  and 
the  odd,  and  with  a  strong  proclivity  for  the  funny.  Any  ope 
may  agreeably  spend  an  hour  or  two  over  the  gay,  rapid  chapters. 
The  record  of  his  wanderings  to  and  fro  upon  the  face  of  the  earth 
is  amusing,  and  we  award  it  the  possession  of  interest." — Tlie 
Eclectic  Magazine,  London,  August,  1859. 


Howard  Plunkett ;  or.  Adrift  in  Life. 

A  Novel  in  Two  Volumes,  Price,  21s. 


"It  is  a  bold,  clever  book.  There  is  a  vipror  and  exuberance 
throughout,  and  in  some  of  the  scenes  a  graphic  power  and  reality. 
The  author  has  talent  and  vigor,  and  the  power  of  writing  an  amus- 
ing story."— 27ie  AthenoRum,  London. 

"  A  tale  so  full  of  incident,  developing  so  much  of  character,  can 
hardly  fail  to  be  interesting;  but  that  interest  is  greatly  enhanced 
when,  as  in  the  present  case,  the  narrative  is  well  sustained,  and  the 
portraits  of  the  various  personages  are  drawn  with  vigor,  and  no 
ordinary  ability."— TAe  Ooserver,  London. 

"  The  author  of  this  work  has  certainly  great  skill  in  constnicting 
a  story,  and  arranging  its  component  parts.  The  characters  are 
numerous,  most  interesting,  and  aptl}'^  sketched.  Striking  are  the 
scenes,  vigorous  the  descriptions.  Some  of  the  events  relating  to  the 
young  outcast's  life,  who  walks  the  wilderness  of  the  world  alone, 
are  exceedingly  well  described.  We  have  life  in  its  varying  phases 
pictured  l>efore  us  in  many  a  diverse  land.  The  story  commences 
and  concludes  at  home:  but  in  its  course  it  wanders  far  and  wide, 
from  the  bright  and  rolling:  waters  of  the  gorgeous  Mississippi  to  the 
loftv  banks  of  the  Yarra  Yarra."— r/ie  Sun,  London. 


18  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

"  The  author  of  this  novel  has  evidently  seen  much  of  life,  and, 
moreover,  possesses  the  ability  to  give  vivid  reflections  of  what  he 
has  seen.  There  is,  consequently,  much  to  admire  in  the  course  of 
tlie  story;  and  whether  in  the  old  world  or  the  new,  at  home  or  at 
the  antipodes,  he  keeps  alive  tlie  reader's  attention,  and  affords 
pleasant  entertainment.  Considerable  talent  is  displayed  in  the  pro- 
duction of  the  varied  scenes,  and  the  manners  of  society  are  hit  off 
effectively  therein,"— 27ie  News  of  the  World,  London. 

"Worked  out  with  great  ability,  and  no  ordinary  power."— Jo/m 
Bull,  London, 

"  Far  superior  to  the  ordinary  volumes  of  the  circulating  library. 
Mr.  CornwalHs  has  evidently  travelled  much  and  seen  much  of  the 
world,  and  some  of  the  best  parts  of  his  story  are,  probably,  scenes 
which  he  has  himself  witnessed.  We  have  spoken  well  of  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis's  poem  '  Yarra  Yarra,'  and  recognize  in  him  the  art  of  writing 
well."— T/ie  Literary  Gazette,  London. 

"  It  possesses  the  merit  of  boldness,  vigor,  and  ease  of  style.  The 
style  is  of  a  free  and  dashing  order,  and  there  is  a  large  amount  of 
very  clever  writing  in  the  novel.  That  there  is  some  vivid  pictorial 
matter  is  evident  enough  from  the  following  extract."— T/ieZ)ispafc/i, 
London. 

"  '  Howard  Phmkett '  is  a  unique  work.  This  peculiarity  is  not  ow- 
ing to  descriptions  of  manners  and  scenery,  or  to  facetiousness. 
The  native  coloring  is  something  much  more  deeply  dyed  than  that. 
There  are  no  bulls  in  the  tale;  but  the  writer's  mind  seems  one  hu^e 
reservoir  of  bulls  held  in  solution.  There  is  an  audacious  impossibil- 
ity about  the  book,  a  genial  incoherenoy,  and  a  bubbling  gaiety, 
which  render  the  whole  quite  unparalleled.  But  exactly  because 
this  novel  is  so  real,  it  is  indescribable.  The  tale  must  be  read  to  be 
understood.  .  .  .  The  elopement  and  the  incidents  that  followed  are 
described  at  great  length;  but  we  cannot  enter  on  its  details,  further 
than  to  remark  that  no  part  of  the  book  shows  more  conspicuously 
one  of  the  author's  greatest  excellences.  He  makes  his  dramatis 
personce  talk  as  people  really  talk.  Thus,  for  mstance,  only  one 
sentence  of  the  bride's  conversation  after  her  marriage  is  recorded, 
but  then  it  is  just  what  a  real  Angelina  would  have  said.  She 
repeated  over  and  over  again,  '  I  really  do  wonder  what  Aunt  Foster 
will  say.'  ''—Saturday  Review,  November  7,  1857. 

"He  can  exhibit  characteristically,  if  not  dramatically."— 27ic 
Spectator. 


Two  Journeys  to  Japan. 

Second  Edition,  Two  Volumes,  21s.    Illustrated  by  Colored  Plates, 
from  Original  Drawings  by  the  Author, 


"  It  is  full  of  amusement— lively,  graphic,  and  full  of  interest.  He 
possesses  the  art  of  letting  in  light  upon  all  the  topics  which  he 
undertakes  to  discuss.  A  real  talent  for  description  is  a  somewhat 
rare  gift,  and  this  traveller  really  possesses  it.  Through  his  pages 
we,  for  the  first  time,  obtain  a  true  notion  of  that  part  of  Japan 
which  he  visited.  The  country,  under  his  pencil  comes  out  fresh, 
dewy,  and  picturesque  before  the  eye.  with  its  cedars,  its  camphor- 
laurels,  its  tapering  volcanoes,  its  winding  valleys,  its  long  sweeps 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS.  19 

of  undulating  plains.  He  certainly  possesses  a  talent  for  description, 
and  places  a  series  of  very  striking  pictures  before  the  minds  of  hia 
readers.  But  he  is  not  exclusively  pictiiresque;  he  likewise  makes 
the  most  of  other  interesting  subjects,  as  eating,  drinking,  dressing, 
bathing,  and  worshipping  idols.""— Chamber's  Journal,  Ediuburg, 
Feb.  12, 1859. 

"  Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis  is  well  known  to  the  British  public  as  an 
amusing  apd  spirited  writer.  His  books  teem  with  life  and  activity. 
When  he  wanders  in  a  meadow,  he  brings  with  him  the  odor  of  the 
grass  and  the  wild  flowers;  when  he  mixes  with  the  aborigines,  he 
carries  '.from  amongst  them,  fresh  and  distinct  in  his  memory,  the 
wildness  of  their  gestures  and  attire,  the  strangeness  of  their 
appearance,  and  their  customs;  in  fact,  whenever  he  travels,  and 
writes  about  what  he  has  heard  and  seen,  we  feel  as  if  we  also  had 
participated  in  the  scenes  which  he  depicts.  In  concluding,  we 
thank  Mr.  Cornwallis  for  his  entertaining  and  lively  volumes.  He  is 
an  amusing,  sprightly,  and  observant  traveller."— Da%Teieflrrap/i, 
London,  March  31,  1859. 

"  His  two  journeys,  as  his  title-page  indicates,  were  made  in  1856 
and  1857.  Each  time  he  enjoyed  most  miraculous  good  fortune;  for 
he  seemed  to  carry  a  spell  with  him  which  dissipated  Japanese 
suspicion,  and  procured  him  all  sorts  of  privileges.  It  is  a  paradise 
of  flowered  silks,  lacquer,  yellow,  vermillion,  ivory,  velvet-lined 
saloons,  and  fantastic  elegancies;  and  Mr.  Cornwallis,  living  the  life 
of  Telemachus  or  ^neas  in  this  world  of  luxury,  continually  bursts 
upon  some  scene  even  more    Eden-like  and  primitive The 

Soet  Spencer,  in  his  Allegro  visions,  never  saw  more  freely  the  him- 
reds  of  unarrayed  damsels  dancing,  lily-white,  in  fairy-land,  than 
this  traveller  sees  the  mellow  bevies  of  Japan  wading  in  baths  of 
Boccaccian  simplicity ;  plunging,  like  Phrynes,  into  the  seafoam ;  or 
standing  statuesquely  as  Greek  slaves.     Jlr.  Cornwallis  pursues  his 

f)ilgrimage,  admires  the  latticed  and  matted  houses,  more  like  Swiss 
n  their  toy-like  symmetry,  and  then  breaks  upon  a  succession  of 
Paradisaical  scenes,  which  he  describes  with  a  characteristic 
unction.  The  mystery  of  Japan  melts  away  as  we  follow  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis through  happy  valleys,  palaces  of  sublime  magnificence,  vil- 
lages of  abstract  cleanliness,  and  throngs  of  dignitaries  in  whose 
presence  the  world  of  Japan  grows  pale.  All  this  goes  to  make  up 
an  amusing  book.  His  knowledge  of  Japan  is  considerable.''— T/ie 
Athenaeum,  London,  Feb.  12,  1859. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  produced  a  very  agreeable  and  interesting 
book;  qualities  which  are  much  enhanced  by  a  number  of  illustra- 
tions of  Japanese  scenery,  customs,  and  costumes,  well  executed,  in 
chromo-lithography,  from  his  own  drawings.— j?/rmmo'/iam.  Jour- 
nal, England. 

''  The  book  has  great  value  in  depicting  the  manners  and  customs 
of  a  hitherto  strange  people.  It  is  an  amusing  book."— T/ie  World, 
London. 

"  For  brilliancy  of  execution  we  can  compare  it  only  with  Eothen: 
for  descriptive  power  and  graphic  portraiture,  we  have  rarely  read 
Its  equal.  The  author  has  had  opportunities  which  no  other  Eng- 
lishman has  had  of  stud^-ing  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  Japan- 
ese."—T7ie  Globe,  London. 

"  The  book  is  an  amusing  book,  pleasantly  written,  and  evidencing 
generous  feelings."— T/ie  Literary  Gazette,  London. 


20  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

"  We  meet  Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis  on  the  same  easy  terms  of  life 
in  El  Dorado,  sophisticated  London,  unsophisticated  Nookoora, 
exclusive  Japan— shining  as  novelist,  historian,  scientific  observer, 
conversationalist,  explorer,  and  moralist,  with  unmitigated  fluency 
and  startling  rapidity."— 27ie  Saturday  Review,  London,  April  30, 
1859. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  recently  gave  us  a  very  good  book  on  the  new  El 
Dorado,  British  Columbia.  To  that  he  now  adds  a  very  good  one  on 
Japan  and  its  people.  They  who  love  travel  and  adventure,  and 
wish  to  inform  themselves  about  Japan  and  the  Japanese,  will  like 
Mr.  Cornwallis's  work,  wherein  they  will  find  animated  descriptions 
of  natural  scenery,  and  of  almost  everything  appertaining  to  the 
customs,  manners,  and  pui-suits  of  the  people  of  all  degrees."— Sww- 
dair^Times,  London,  Feb.  26,  1859. 

"  He  saw  a  good  deal  of  the  Japanese  and  of  the  country,  and 
gives  pretty  minute  descriptions  of  all  the  towns  he  visited.  The 
account  of  Nagasaki,  and  of  Mr.  Cornwallis's  friends,  Noskotoska 
and  Tazolee,  is  very  interesting;  but  for  that,  and  the  summary  of 
the  history  of  Japan,  and  its  religion,  we  must  refer  to  the  volumes, 
which  are  illustrated  by  colored  lithogi-uphs  from  drawings  by  Mr. 
Cornwallis,  and  will  well  repay  perusal." -iVauai  and  Military 
Gazette,  London,  Feb.  26,  1859. 

"  There  has  not  been  so  interesting  a  book  of  travels  since  Warbur- 
ton's  'Crescent  and  the  Cross.'  ''—Scottish  Press. 

"  The  author  has  given  us  two  interesting  volumes.  It  (the  work) 
furnishes  many  charming  glimpses  of  Japanese  life.  We  have  risen 
from  its  perusal  with  great  pleasure  and  profit."— T/ie  Constitutional 
Pi-ess,  London,  Feb.  26, 1859. 

"  What  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  here  presented  will  engage  the  public 
attention,  for  it  is  given  in  a  readable  and  attractive  style:  and  the 
scenery,  habits  and  manners,  are  made  to  pass  in  succession  before 
us  like  a  collection  of  photographic  pictures.  The  author  describes 
all  that  passed  under  his  notice,  during  his  two  visits  to  Japan,  with 
so  much  liveliness  and  ease  as  to  afford  much  satisfaction,  whether 
the  work  be  taken  up  for  information,  or  merely  the  entertainment 
of  a  leisure  hour;  and  there  is  every  likelihood  of  his  literary  labors 
being  rewarded  by  the  favorable  opinion  of  the  public— The  News  of 
the  World,  London,  March  6,  1859. 

"  Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis  is  well  known  in  the  literary  world  as  the 
writer  of 'El  Dorado,' and  other  popular  productions;  and  in  the 
work  before  us  we  find  no  falling  off  whatever.  It  is  beautifully 
illustrated,  is  replete  with  interest,  and  contains  information  on  every 
subject  connected  with  the  country  on  which  he  treats.  Not  only 
have  we  an  excellent  historical  and  geological  sketch  of  the  country, 
but  a  thorough  insight  into  the  habits  and  manners  of  the  Japanese." 
—The  Review,  London. 

"  These  volumes  contain  a  vast  amount  of  information  about  Japan 
and  her  people,  clever  and  amusing."— T/ie  Leader,  London. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  describes,  in  very  agreeable  language,  what  he 
saw,  did,  and  heard,  during  two  visits  to  that  marvellous  country, 
Japan.  We  can  earnestlv  recommend  Mr.  Cornwallis's  book  to 
our  readei's.  "—Jibrningf  Herald,  April  2,  1859. 

"  The  author  exhibits  much  knowledge  of  Japanese  life.  He  has 
written  a  very  amusing  book."— T/ie  New  Quarterly  Revieio,  London, 
April,  1859. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PKESS.  21 

"Few  can  take  up  Mr.  Cornwallis's  interesting  work  without  wish- 
ing it  may  be  their  lot  some  day  to  visit  the  islands  of  Japan."— 2%e 
China  Telegraph,  London. 

"  Among  the  guests  at  the  ball  given  by  (Jen.  Cass  on  Friday  even- 
ing last,  in  honor  of  the  Japanese  Embassy,  was  Mr.  Kinalian  Cornwal- 
lis,  a  gentleman  well  known  in  literary  circles  in  England,  and  of 
considerable  repute,  both  as  an  author  and  traveller.  In  the  course 
of  his  travels  he  five  years  ago  visited  Japan,  of  which  country  he 
afterwards  published  m  England  a  very  spirited  description.  Two 
of  the  present  Embassy,  who  had  seen  him  at  Simoda,  on  meeting 
him  the  other  day  at  Washington,  at  once  recognized  him.  Mr.  Corn- 
wallis  has  only  recently  arrived  in  this  country,  but  it  is  not  his  first 
visit,  as  in  the  fall  of  1855  he  travelled  through  the  Union,  and  subse- 
quently embodied  his  opinions  of  American  men  and  women  in  one 
of  his  books,  entitled  'A  Panorama  of  the  New  World,'  which 
speaks  very  flatteringly  of  ourselves,  and  shows  its  writer  to  be  a  man 
of  wide  sympathies,  liberal  sentiments,  and,  what  is  better,  few 
prejudices."— T/ie  New  York  Herald,  May  26,  1860. 


New  El  Dorado;  or,  British  Columbia. 

Dedicated,  by  permission,  to  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Edward  Bulwer- 

Lytton,  Bart. 

Second  Edition,  price,  10s.  6d.,  cloth.    With  a  Map  and  Dlustrationg 

by  the  Author. 


"  So  little  is  known  of  British  Columbia,  a  territory  that  promises 
to  open  up  an  immense  field  of  enterprise  to  the  mother-country,  that 
Mr.  CornwaUis  may  fairly  congratulate  himself  upon  being,  i3f  not 
the  only,  at  least  the  most  modern,  historian  of  the  colony.  Mr. 
CornwaUis  tells  us,  in  pleasant  language,  how  he  wandered  from  Cal- 
ifornia to  New  Columbia,  what  he  saw  there,  and  what,  in  his 
opinion,  are  the  prospects  of  emigrants,  whether  as  diggers  or  agri- 
culturists. As  a  handbook  to  British  Columbia,  this  volume,  which 
is  dedicated,  by  permission,  to  the  Colonial  Secretary,  may  be  recom- 
mended as  authentic,  useful,  and  well  timed."— T^e  Morning  Post, 
London. 

"  Mr.  Kinahan  CornwaUis,  a  gentleman  who  has  had  considerable 
experience  of  the  gold  fields  of  Australia,  and  who  graphically  de- 
scribed what  he  saw  and  learnt  in  his  work  call  '  Yarra  Yarra,'  has 
lately  returned  from  British  Columbia,  and  having  been  present  al- 
most from  the  first  at  the  golden  district  bordering  on  the  Fraser 
River,  has  just  published  a  very  interesting  account  of  his  sojourn 
there.  The  work  is  exceedingly  opportune.  It  is  very  spiritedly 
written,  and  will  amuse  as  well  as  instruct,  and  necessai'ily  ootain  an 
immense  circulation."— !Z7ie  Observer,  London. 

"  The  book  is  full  of  information  as  to  the  best  modes  existing  or 
expected  of  reaching  these  enviable  regions,  and  of  many  matters  of 
commerce,  trade,  and  production.  The  book  is  therefore  not  merely 
interesting,  but  instructive,  and  we  are  glad  to  find  so  useful  a  collec- 
tion of  facts  on  a  movement  pregnant  with  events  of  whiclv^we  can  as 
yet  only  dimly  appreciate  the  full  consequences."- T/ie  Morning 
Chronicle,  London. 


22  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

"  The  book  gives  all  the  information  it  is  possible  to  obtain  respect- 
ing the  new  colony.  It  is  altogether  of  a  most  interesting  and  in- 
structive character."— T/ie  Star,  London. 

"  Historical  and  descriptive  of  British  Columbia.  It  vpill  be  found 
both  entertaining  and  useful."— T/ie  Sunday  Times,  London. 

"  There  is  information  in  the  volume  to  render  it  acceptable."— 27ie 
Athenaeum,  London. 

"  A  highly  useful  work.  The  chapters  on  the  ascent  of  the  Fraser, 
and  the  bivouac  beyond  the  Forks,  will  be  found  particularly  inter- 
esting."—iVeios  of  the  World,  London. 

"  A  book  on  emigration  from  the  pen  of  one  who  knotos  what  he  is 
writing  is  in  the  highest  degree  acceptable,  because  we  find  in  it 
more  of  practice  and  less  of  theory.  The  book  is  mterspersed  with 
much  that  is  animated  and  interesting,  while  the  geographical  posi- 
tion, climate,  and  peculiarities  of  the  colony  are  thoroughly  eluci- 
dated. As  a  handbook  to  British  Columbia,  nothing  could  be  more 
useful,  instructive,  or  valuable;  and  as  such,  to  that  class  we  partic- 
ularly commend  iV— Weekly  Mail,  London. 

"  No  wonder  that  this  book  has  gone  through  a  first  edition,  when 
we  consider  the  importance  of  the  subject  and  the  admirable  man- 
ner in  which  it  is  handled.  Truthful  delineation  of  the  state  and 
resources  of  this  newly-discovered  treasure-land  is  its  great  charac- 
teristic. As  a  useful  and  almost  necessary  appendage  to  the  emi- 
grant, this  work  is  entitled  to  the  highest  praise;  while  to  those  who 
'  live  at  home  at  ease,'  we  can  cordially  recommend  it,  as  containing 
the  most  animated  and  interesting  descriptions  of  a  country  which 
may  erelong  vie  with,  if  not  eclipse,  the  golden  regions  of  Australia 
and  California.  We  lately  noticed,  in  most  eulogistic  terms,  the 
well-known  poem  by  the  same  author,  entitled  '  Yarra,  Yarra,'  and 
happy  are  we  to  find  that  in  Mr.  Cornwallis's  case  it  is  not  poetas  et 
proeterea  nihil.  The  '  New  El  Dorado '  will  outlive  all  ephemeral 
productions  of  the  hour,  and  become  a  book  of  reference  in  the 
standard  library  of  travels."— Sporfmgr  Magazine,  London, 

"  We  can  recommend  it  to  those  who  are  curious  as  to  the  general 
features  which  such  a  region  presents,  and  looking  for  amusement." 
—Press,  London. 

"  With  all  the  graphic  advantages  of  a  personal  narrative,  he  has 
gathered  a  considerable  amount  of  information  respecting  the  coun- 
try, its  inhabitants,  natural  productions,  and  resources,  which  will 
doubtless  be  found  useful  to  futux'e  adventurers,  who  will  thus  go 
there  furnished  with  all  it  is  possible  to  convey  through  the  medium 
of  a  work  intended  to  be  amusing  as  well  as  useful.  The  Appendix 
comprehends  a  large  amount  of  local  and  statistical  matter,  valuable 
because  it  is  authentic;  and  a  colored  Map  of  that  region  and  Van- 
couver places  before  the  reader  a  complete  plan  and  guide  to  the 
most  important  localities  named  in  the  text."— TAe  Dispatch,  Lon- 
don. 

"  It  is  a  very  interesting  apd  valuable  work.  Extracts  from  it  are 
beginning  to  plentifully  abound  in  our  papers."— Toronfo  Globe. 

"  All  testimonies,  from  the  very  pleasant  and  interesting  book  of 
Mr.  Cornwallis  to  the  last  correspondence  received,  agree  in  attribu- 
ting great  capabilities  of  producing  wealth,  both  agricultural  and 
mineral,  to  the  district  of  Columbia."— Extract  from  a  leader  in  the 
London  Standard. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PKESS.  28 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis's  book  will  repay  perusal.  It  contains  twenty- 
three  chaptei's  on  the  new  gold  nioveuieut,  its  dazzling  prospects, 
the  physical  geography  and  natural  resources  of  this  land  of  the 
magic  spell,  discusses  the  question  of  railway  conanunication,  and 
gives  us  animated  pictures  of  the  gold  hunters'  life.  There  are  some 
glimpses  also  afforded  us  into  the  manners  and  beliefs  of  the 
Indians."— r/ie  Westminster  Review,  London. 

"  Mr.  Cornwallis  is  a  shrewd  man  of  the  world,  and  has  given  us  a 
very  clear  account  of  the  auriferous  districts  of  the  country,  and  of 
their  prospects.  His  remarks  may  suggest  many  a  new  thought  to 
the  emigrant,  and  his  information  is  precise  and  well  adapted  for 
giving  us  the  knowledge  of  a  terra  incognita,  and  a  new  colony. 
Many  a  man  will  thank  him  as  his  pioneer.  In  the  early  stages  of 
colonial  hfe  we  seldom  meet  with  a  work  so  applicable  to  the  real 
state  of  affairs."— IVie  World,  London,  Januai-y  23,  1859. 

"  To  give  some  idea  of  the  state  of  things  as  they  have  been  till 
within  recent  times,  we  will  make  a  condensed  abstract  of  a  gold- 
searching  expedition  made  by  a  very  intelligent  and  adventurous 
gentleman— Mr.  Kinahan  Cornwallis — who  has  recorded  his  experi- 
ences in  a  Uvely  volume,  entitled  *  The  New  El  Dorado,  or  British 
Columbia.'  '''"—Colburn's  New  Monthly  Magazine,  London,  article 
"British  Columbia,"  February,  1859. 

See  also  the  Edinburgh  Review,  January,  1859,  article  "  Hudson's 
Bay  Territory." 

"Mr.  Cornwallis  revels  in  the  primeval  wilderness;  he  glories  in 
pushing  up  unknown  rivers,  in  penetrating  thick  jungles,  in  roaming 
over  horizon-bound  prairies,  and  then  returning  to  the  haunts  of 
civilized  men  to  depict,  in  animated  colors,  and  with  his  poetic  fan- 
cies, the  scenes  that  he  has  witnessed  when  far  removed  from  the 
influence  and  attraction  of  modern  society.  The  general  reader  will 
find  much  that  is  of  an  entertaining  character  to  beguile  a  leisure 
hour."— C/ii7ia  Express. 


The  Wandering  Aborigine. 

A  Poetical  Narrative  in  Thirteen  Books.    Fifth  and  cheap  Edition. 
Price,  2s, 


"  We  have  already  spoken  well  of  Mr.  Cornwallis'  poem,  and  are 

flad  to  find,  by  this  new  edition,  that  the  public  agree  with  us."— ITie 
dterarg  Gazette,  London. 

"It  is  a  book  that  will  be  read— yes,  and  relished— by  many.  Its 
very  wildness  has  a  charm  for  such  of  our  feelings  as  are  unsophis- 
ticated; and  the  boldness  with  which  it  breaks  through  all  conven- 
tional restraint  is  refreshing  in  these  days  of  civilization-worship. 
It  is  misty:  but  gleams  of  brilliant  light  traverse  the  haze,  and 
strains  of  Nature's  sweetest  music  blend  with  the  confusion.  Mr. 
Cornwallis  is  a  bold  and  honest  writer;  and  his  work  displays  some 
very  high  imaginative  qualities,  with  vast  and  varied  experience  of 
men  and  countries."— TyK"  Illustrated  Neivs  of  the  World,  London. 

"  This  poetical  narrative  is  bold,  picturesque,  and  full  of  ardent 
feelings.  What  the  author  had  to  do,  he  has  done  well.  It  has 
arrived  at  the  honor  of  a  fifth  edition,  which  speaks  considerably  in 
favor  of  the  poem."— The  Dispatch,  London. 


24  OPINIONS  OF  THE  PllESS. 

"  The  Australian  '  Hiawatha.'  ''''—The  Guardian,  Loudon. 

"  This  clever  poem,  which  on  its  first  appearance  attracted  some 
attention,  has  reached  its  fifth  edition,  a  circumstance  which  goes 
far  to  confirm  the  verdict  passed  by  tlie  public  upon  its  merit.  It 
loses  none  of  its  interest  by  re-perusal.  The  verse  is  smooth  and 
flowing,  and  the  interest  of  the  subject  retains  its  original  freshness." 
—The  Weekly  Times,  London. 

"  The  plan  and  execution  of  this  volume,  which  has  already  gone 
through  five  editions,  are  entitled  to  the  highest  commendation. 
The  subject,  Australia,  in  itself  so  interesting,  and  so  fitted  for 
poetical  expansion  and  illustration,  is  treated  with  no  less  judgment 
than  skill,  and  the  author  fully  succeeds  in  awakening  the  most 
delicate  feelings  of  our  nature.  The  story  of  his  love  for  Quillah 
Quah  is  very  naturally  introduced,  and  her  melancholy  fate  patheti- 
cally described;  man's  natural  affection  for  the  land  of  his  birth 
occupies  a  few  interesting  pages.  The  fondness  with  which  we 
recur  to  pleasures  long  past,  and  to  friends  separated  by  death,  the  re- 
quiem to  the  fallen  brave,  are  touched  upon  with  uncommon  felicity. 
The  author's  address  to  Nature,  '  Oft  have  I  stood  and  viewed  fair 
PhCBbus  rise,'  is  animated  and  poetical;  and  in  a  strain  equally  flow- 
ing, sweet,  and  affecting,  Mr.  Cornwallis  soliloquizes  over  the  waters 
of  the  Arno.  The  observations  on  Australia  will  be  read  with  great 
satisfaction,  as  they  prove  that  the  writer's  prose  is  as  animated, 
just,  and  instructive,  as  his  poetry  is  spirited  and  characteristically 
appropriate."— Sporhngr  Magazine,  London, 

"  There  is  strength  and  beauty  in  this  poem.  Love  is  the  grand 
theme  of  the  author."— T/ie  Court  Circular,  Loudon. 

See  also  Dickens'  "  Household  Words,"  London,  July,  1858;  article 
on  "  The  Savage  Muse." 


My  Life  and  Adventures. 

Two  vols.     London,  1859.     Dedicated,  by  permission,  to  Sir  Edward 
Bulwer-Lytton,  Bart. 


"The  author's  power  of  language  in  thus  depicting  most  im- 
minent and  perilous  situations  is  perfectly  irresistible,  and  has  the 
effect  of  conveying  the  whole  scene  with  fearful  distinctness  home 
to  the  imagination  of  the  reader.  '  My  Life  and  Adventures,'  for  the 
vigor  of  its  descriptions,  carrying  along  with  them  an  equal  amount 
of  instruction  and  amusement,  is  deserving  of  unqualified  praise."— 
The  Leader,  London,  April  7,  1860. 

"  It  is  both  amusing  and  instructive."— !Z7ie  Observer,  London. 

"  His  descriptions  display  power,  and  the  style  has  the  merit  of 
carrying  us  quickly  over  its  pages."— T/ie  Literary  Gazette,  London, 
April  21,  1860. 

Wreck  and  Ruin.    A  Novel.    3  Vols.    London,  1860. 
The  Crossticks.    A  Novelette.    1  Vol.    London,  1858. 


A  Strange  Story  of  Adventure. 

A  MARVELLOUS  COINCIDENCE  ;  OR  A  CHAIN  OF  MIS- 
ADVENTURES   AND    MYSTERIES. 

By  KI]VAHAi\  CORNWALLI8. 

Paper,  50  Cents.    For  Sale  Everywhere,  aii<l  mailed  free  on  receipt  of 
price.    The  Daily  Investigatou  Office,  GG  Broadway,  New  York. 


"  A  story  which  is  decidedly  out  of  the  beaten  track.  Critics  must 
agree  with  one  accord  that  it  gives  them,  in  the  unravelling  of  the 
plot,  several  touches  of  the  unanticipated.  Mrs.  Zachary  Fenwick  in 
a  quiet  Massachusetts  village  has  a  series  of  experiences  calculated 
to  excite  the  envy  of  anjr  dreaming  maiden  who  has  longed  to 
become  the  central  figure  in  a  novel.  The  adventures  and  reappear- 
ances of  the  two  missing  boys  are  told  in  an  original  and  graphic 
way  which  furnishes  entertaining  reading  for  lovers  of  fiction," 
—Kansas  City  Journal. 

"  It  is  composed  of  lost  children,  shipwrecks,  South  Sea  islands, 
mining  camps  and  the  like  stirring  events  and  odd  places.  It  is 
impossible  enough  for  Jules  Verne,  but  at  the  same  time  is  quite 
readable."— Toujn  Topics,  N.  Y. 

"  A  pleasing  American  novel.  It  is  a  chain  of  misadventures  and 
mysteries  from  first  to  last,  and  it  engrosses  the  attention  of  the 
reader  from  the  beginning  until  the  very  last  page  has  been  perused." 
—San  Francisco  Call. 

"  It  has  some  fun,  some  wisdom  and  a  fair  share  of  incident,  and 
one  strong  situation."— Commerctai  Advertiser,  N.  Y. 

"  A  '  Marvellous  Coincidence,'  is  in  the  author's  happiest  vein.  It  is 
a  story  of  American  life  in  which  the  necessary  love  theme  is  skil- 
fully blended  with  incident  of  stirring  adventure.  Treating  essen- 
tially of  American  life  Mr.  Cornwallis  has  applied  his  moral  to  certain 
national  traits  in  its  character  with  impressive  strength  and  force." 
—Home  Journal,  N.  Y. 


Published  in  the  "  Seaside  Library,"  price  30  cents,  and  in  "  Lovell's 
Library,"  New  York,  price,  25  cents. 

ADRIFT  WITH  A  VENGEANCE  :  A  Story  of  Love 
and  Adventure.  By  Kinahan  Cornwallis,  Author  of  "Pilgrims  of 
Fashion,"  a  novel;  "Royalty  in  the  New  World;  or,  the  Prince  of 
Wales  in  America,"  with  a  steel-plate  portrait  of  the  Prince,  a 
narrative  of  travels;  "A  Panorama  of  the  New  World,"  a  narrative 
of  travel  in  North  and  South  America  and  Australia,  (2  vols.); 
"  Howard  Plunkett,"  a  novel,  (2  vols.);  "  Wreck  and  Ruin,  or. 
Glimpses  of  Modern  Society,"  a  novel,  (3  vols.);  "My  Life  and 
Adventures,"  (2  vols.);  "Two  Journeys  to  Japan,"  (2  vols.),  illus- 
trated by  the  author;  "The  New  El  Dorado;  or,  British  Columbia," 
a  narrative  of  travel,  illustrated;  "  Poems  of  Travel,"  &c.,  &c.  Most 
of  these  works  were  originally  published  in  London  between  1858 
and  1863. 


THE    ID^^TlLrZ- 

INVESTIGATOR: 

AND  WALL  STREET  AND  BANKING  NEWS. 

A  Financial  and  Commercial  Review  and  Investors^  Guide, 
and  Mirror  for  Bankers,  Brokers,  Merchants,  and 
liailway,  Banking,  Mining  and  Insurance 
Corporations, 
Beflecting  Monetary  and  Commercial  Affairs  and  the  Mar- 
kets for  Securities  and  Speculative  Commodities. 

KINAHAN  CORNWALLIS,  Editor  and  Proprietor,  formerly 
financial  Editor  of  the  New  York  Herald  and  Editor  and  Pro- 
prietor of  The  Knickerbocker  Magazine  and  The  Albion. 

Served  free  by  carriers  every  morning  in  New  York  and  Brook- 
lyn, and  mailed,  postpaid,  to  all  other  points  in  the  United  States 
nine  hours  earlier  than  the  great  dailies,  namely,  before  8  P.  M.  of 
the  day  it  chronicles. 

For  sale  at  all  News-stands  and  all  News  Agencies. 
Price  2  Cents. 


MERCANTILE  COLLECTIONS,  AND  FINANCIAL  NEGOTIA- 
TIONS CONNECTED  WITH  CORPORATIONS  UNDERTAKEN, 
INCLUDING  THE  ORGANIZATION  OF  NEW  COMPANIES. 
CONCERNING  THESE,  ADDRESS  KINAHAN  CORNWALLIS, 
COUNSELLOR-AT-LAW,  29  WALL  STREET,  N.  Y. 

SUBSCRIPTION  Five  Dollars  a  year  or  Fifty  Cents 
a  month.  ADVERTISEMENTS  25  cents  per  agate 
line;  for  more  than  one  insertion,  20  cents  per  line. 
Cards  $20  per  inch  per  month. 

The  In-vestigator  will  be  entirely  free  and 
independent  in  its  course,  and  always  aim  to  be 
just  and  judicial  in  its  utterances.  It  will  be  the 
organ  of  no  clique  or  individual  and  have  no 
stock-jobbing  axes  of  its  own  to  grind,  but  be 
fair  and  strictly  conscientious  in  all  that  it  says, 
and  say  nothing,  therefore,  except  in  the  strictest 
good  faith  towards  its  readers,  and  that  it  does 
not  honestly  believe,  however  searching  and 
trenchant  its  criticisms  may  be.  It  will  rely 
wholly  on  its  own  legitimate  merits  for  support. 

Address  Kinalian  Corn wal lis.  The  Daily  Inves- 
tigator, 52  Broadway,  New  Ifork. 


and  Peru.* 


Dec.   15*13 


Poem* 


Number.      d|EC  23  1918     BERKELEY  libraries 


\ 


G15923^ 


